Split is a port of call on Adriatic and Mediterranean itineraries for MSC, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Princess, with sailings nearly year-round and MSC also running a handful of departures from its harbor beneath Diocletian's Palace.
Split unfolds around Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the early 4th century AD and layered with additions over the centuries since. Marble streets wind through the old walls past a soaring cathedral, shaded courtyards, and shops tucked into ancient stone, while the palace's basement halls and colonnaded square reveal the imprint of imperial Rome still very much in daily use.
Just beyond the walls, the palm-lined Riva promenade traces the harbor, its cafés and terraces offering unhurried views of the Adriatic. Croatia's second-largest city rewards travelers on foot, with the historic core and waterfront within easy walking distance of the pier. Split's blend of Roman ruins, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian layers, and everyday Mediterranean life makes it a compact but rewarding destination for those drawn to history worn lightly.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Split.
Climb St. Domnius Bell Tower
A steep spiral stair leads to panoramic views over the palace's terracotta roofs and the harbor beyond. Allow 30 minutes round trip; arrive early to avoid crowds on the narrow steps.
Explore the Palace Cellars
Vaulted substructure halls beneath the palace, once used for storage, now display market stalls and Roman-era foundations. A cool, atmospheric detour just steps from the Peristyle square.
Hike Up Marjan Hill
A wooded peninsula park with cliffside paths and chapels offers the best skyline views of Split and the islands. Reachable on foot in about 20 minutes from the old town.
