Memories of Split

split croatia europe dalmatia adriatic cruise
While organizing my photos the other day I came across these pics of Split, Croatia, and I realized that I had never shared them with you. It’s a shame because it’s a trully beautiful place. Two years ago we embarked on a cruise that took us around the Greek Islands but first we visited Venice and Split.split croatia europe dalmatia adriatic cruise seafront promenade riva

When I think about Croatia the first place that comes to mind is Dubrovnik. It has become a favorite among summer vacation destinations in recent years. However, when I found out that our cruise was stopping at Split instead I was intrigued. I had never heard about this city but I was happy to avoid the crowds in Dubrovnik. I tend to do the opposite of most people: if a place becomes popular, I prefer to go somewhere else.

split croatia europe dalmatia adriatic cruise diocletian palace unesco world heritage
Split did not disappoint. We fell in love with the mixture of ancient and modern history. It’s actually the second largest city in Croatia, after Zagreb. Its #1 sight is Diocletian’s Palace, a Unesco World Heritage site and one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments. The Palace was built in the 4th century as a military fortress. The narrow streets around it lead to courtyards and passageways where you can see locals hanging their laundry to dry or people watching amused by the increasing number of tourists that visit Split.split croatia europe dalmatia adriatic cruise diocletian palace
split croatia europe dalmatia adriatic cruise
split croatia europe dalmatia adriatic cruise diocletian palace

The magic and charm of Split lie in its old town full of cool bars, cafés, lovely restaurants and shops amidst Roman walls. It is also surrounded by the most beautiful landscape with mountains as a backdrop and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea on the waterfront.

split croatia europe dalmatia adriatic cruise restaurant beautiful
split croatia europe dalmatia adriatic cruise old town
split croatia europe dalmatia adriatic cruise restaurant old town

The seafront promenade, Riva, is the other place to be. There are plenty of outdoor dining areas to sit down and enjoy a drink for hours.

Trg Republike (Republic Square) is another great spot to sip a coffee while people watching. The square, constructed in a Venetian style, is a well-renowned gathering point. Concerts and festivals are celebrated here.

split croatia europe dalmatia adriatic cruise trg republike republic square venetian style
split croatia europe dalmatia adriatic cruise trg republike republic square venetian style

There’s also an interesting underground market called Podrum which is an old prison underneath Diocletian’s Palace.

Finally, the Grgur Ninski Statue which honors the bishop that opposed the Pope and introduced the Croatian language into Catholic services. It is said that rubbing his toe brings good luck.

split croatia europe dalmatia adriatic cruise grugur ninski statue rub foot good luck

Split is not very big and you can see it on foot. My advice is to get lost among the stone-walled buildings to explore the city and find all the hidden gems.
xo Cristina

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0 thoughts on “Memories of Split”

  1. It looks great – I'm so pleased you came across your photos! xx Maria | Passion fruit, Paws and Peonies

  2. A friend of mine is taking her first trip to Europe and she is going to be in Venice and Croatia but she didn't know where to hit in Croatia. I am sending this along to her because I think this is a must see!

  3. These are absolutely stunning photographs, Cristina! Thanks for sharing 🙂 Looks like it was such a nice trip!
    ~Lor

  4. I visited Split less than a month ago and we absolutely loved the city! I wish I would stayed longer there. As a matter of fact, we are preparing Dalmatian Swiss chard tomorrow. Did you try the dish while there?

  5. Dorota Candle

    I really want to see Dubrovnik and I totally don't mind the crowd. This year I'm going for summer holidays to Croatia and I hope I will be able to see Split as well – it looks divine in your pictures and I can bet you had loads of fun out there!
    Dorota
    http://www.fetchcandle.wordpress.com

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