One Day in Split: Things You Must Do & See

Croatia is an absolute gem of Europe, well-known for its richly historic and evocative cities, exceptional food and wine and heavenly sailing waters.

Croatian cities are famous around the world with Dubrovnik’s Star Wars and Game of Thrones fame, Rijeka’s 1985 Aviator movie and even Captain America (1990) being shot in Croatia, despite the movie’s plot taking place in Germany.

Almost 60,000 square kilometers in size, Croatia has many interesting corners to explore. As this can be a little daunting, let’s focus on one city at a time.

Many Europe Holidays’ travellers visit Croatia as a part of a European package that includes neighbouring countries. It’s often fun to venture through several worlds and be able to compare different ways of living.

Apart from the Split old town, Marjan Hill, Split museums and beaches, there are a few very interesting things you should also see and do. We’ve put together a list of things for you to explore if you are in Split for a day (or less) – this will help you pick the best of the best on your journey.

Split Sailing

Sailing Croatia isn’t all about the beaches and the youth partying. The most interesting and larger islands showcase thousands of years of architecture and art, which like the country’s food and wine, were influenced by the original Greek settlers: the Illyrians, the Romans and the Slavic tribes that succumbed to the seductions of the Adriatic Sea, the refinement of Venice and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Sailing Croatia is very much like travelling in a time machine. And of course, some of the most gorgeous sunsets happen over the waters of Split.

Split is a port city, with open waters in all directions, as well as harbour sailing. If your soul calls for turquoise waters, spending your day sailing out of Split could be just the thing to do. If you’d like to find out a little more about how to organise your sailing in Split, give us a call on 1800 242 353.

Klis Fortress

Many other travellers don’t spend their entire day sailing but rather want to roam the city and beyond. Overlooking the city, in the mountain pass between Mosor and Kozjak, lies the small village of Klis. At the center of this hillside village is a medieval fortress built into a rocky ridge. From here, you get an incredible bird’s-eye view of the entire Split metropolitan area, Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands. The Fortress of Klis (Tvrđava Klis) is more than 2000 years old, beginning with the Illyrian tribe called Dalmatae that used it as a stronghold before it was taken by the Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the site became a seat for several Croatian kings.

The fortress is a lesser known gem in Split, so whether you visit in winter or summer you won’t be battling tourist crowds here.

The Klis Fortress opening hours are daily from 9am to 7pm. To get in, you need to pay 40 kuna for adults or 15 kuna for children. And even dogs are allowed here (aslong as you watch over them and keep them on a leash).

The Gregory of Nin Big Toe

When in Split, you absolutely must touch the big toe of the bronze statue of GrgurNinski (Gregory of Nin) – because tradition has it that good luck is guaranteed.Gregory was an influential Croatian bisho who lived in 10th century. He governed the Church in Nin, a town which served as a capital of Croats at the time Zagreb was not even founded. He was at odds with the rest of the Catholic hierarchy, promoting the idea that masses should be performed in local languages rather than in Latin. As such, historians see him as a protector of Croatian identity and political interests, while artists perceive him as a symbol of patriotism and focus on his love for his homeland.

The Statue of Gregory is very impressive and monumental. Interestingly, the statue’s feet shine with a unique colour because of the belief that rubbing the toe while saying a wish will make that wish come true.

Diocletian's Palace

These ruins are some of the most valuable surviving buildings of the Roman era on the Adriatic coast, so they’re not to be missed on a one day Split journey.

Diocletian’s Palace dominates the city’s historic core. There’s nothing else like it in Europe – it’s a well-preserved 4th-century complex blending Diocletian’s stately retirement villa with the remnants of a large military camp.

When night falls, the marble and granite columns, topped by Corinthian capitals, are usually illuminated by colourful garlands, and the interiors of the palace become a beautiful scene, where actors in Roman togas perform with their solemn voices, echoing under the arches of this ancient palace.

Olive Oil And Wine Tasting

Tucked away on one of the small side streets in Diocletian’s Palace, Uje Oil Bar offers tastings of the 50+ varieties of Croatian olive oils that they have available, served with freshly baked bread. In fact, Split offers a whole array of places to indulge in olive oil and wine tasting here. Delicious!

If you’d like to find out a little more about some of the best tastings in Split, give us a call on 1800 242 353.