Sightseeing Around Split - Croatia

With the Adriatic Sea at its doorstep and the Dinaric Mountains at its backyard, Split is one of the most picturesque destinations in Croatia.

Admirers of antiquity will fall in love with the ancient edifices of the Roman period blending seamlessly with baroque buildings and modern art deco shops and cafes. Enjoying Split is as easy as enjoying a walk around the city and taking in the charm of the many attractions it has to offer.

Split’s major attraction is Diocletian’s Palace dating back to AD 295. Although most of what remains at present is a labyrinthine complex of stone buildings, its sheer size and layout remain to be a jaw-dropping sight. For the best views on site, be sure to visit the emperor’s quarters overlooking the sea. The palace complex also houses the Ethnographic Museum where you can find ancient artifacts on display and cycles of artworks from local artists in exhibit.

From the palace, proceed to the Iron Gate and enter the People’s Square. With its white marble flooring, elegant 15th century Town Hall and the constant hustle and bustle of the locals, you can easily sit for hours in one of the many al fresco caf้s in the area just watching Split’s everyday life pass you by.

The Cathedral of St. Dominius is another ancient structure that was originally built as a mausoleum for Diocletian but was later made into a church in the 7th century. Its interiors are impressively designed in Romanesque and Venetian styles with ornate patterns and plush furnishings. The climb to its 197 foot bell tower may seem daunting but your efforts will be justly rewarded with the panoramic view it affords.

 If you are looking for some fantastic works of art then you can’t miss the Meštrović Gallery. Sculptures in all media such as wood, metal and marble are beautifully exhibited all over the villa. There is also a charming garden on site where you can relax and enjoy the carvings on display. For more masterpieces from Meštrović, check out the chapel at Kaštelet for more bass relief woodcarvings from this remarkable Croatian artist.

If you get bored with indoor attractions, a day out at the beach is within walking distance! Bačvice may not be as grand a beach as other tropical getaways, but it is a fun spot where locals congregate to have a great time. You can take a dip at the cool waters, take lazy stroll along the shore or sit back in one of the open air caf้s and just enjoy the cheerful atmosphere of the area.

If you want to go for nature walks, Marjan is the perfect location. This peninsula is a 2-mile stretch of pines and shrubs with a web of footpaths for eager walkers. Follow one route and go south until you reach the end of the peninsula where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the sea. For a more romantic setting, it is best to go on a walk during late afternoons – perfect timing for sunset and the spectacle of colors that go with it.
 

Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Krabi Hotels here.