Must-Sees in Split-Dalmatia County
Without a doubt, the perfect summer vacation consists of clear water, hot weather, and good food. These things are not hard to find, but not so many places bring together culture and nature like Split-Dalmatia County in Croatia. Here is the best thing: even those on a budget will have an unforgettable time. Join us for a stroll along the ten-mile stretch of the central Dalmatian coast between Trogir and Split.
First, you will see the thirteen forts which were once used as a defence against the Turkish people. Over time this area has developed into the town of Kaštela and offers many quiet spots with great places to stay. This means it is easy to book cheap accommodation in Split, and especially Kaštela, all within easy reach of the best attractions. Come along!
Split-Dalmatia County at a Glance
Split’s historic old town
Due to its fascinating city centre, Split has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1970. It is located on a peninsula on the Adriatic coast, and thus surrounded by stunning nature and blue water. The hallmark of the city is the Diocletian’s Palace, which makes up the centre of Split and is well-known as a captivating ancient edifice.
Although this area is often overcrowded with tourists, it promises a great adventure with its alleys, stairs, and small stores. It also includes a visit to Split’s cathedral and the Temple of Jupiter. These buildings reflect a strong Roman influence – displaying statues of gods like Triton, Hercules, Jupiter, and Apollo.
Other recommendations for Split
After exploring its history and culture, we recommend a trip to Luka Ice Cream. Here you will find unique cakes and ice creams that will become the highlight of your culinary experience. Reward yourself with a tasty treat.
Next to Split’s Old Town is the Marjan Park, which gives you breath-taking views over the city, the amazing islands, and blue water. Not only is this a popular group holiday destination, but it is also thought of as an individual adventure alongside nature.
Choose between climbing up to a mountain viewpoint and going on a discovery tour – but be sure to take good shoes along and plenty of water. This day is one you will not forget in a long time.
Bestie Split
For animal lovers visiting Split-Dalmatia County, we recommend a trip to Bestie Split, which is one of the animal shelters in Croatia that prohibits the killing of strays. Perhaps this visit will bring you down slightly from cloud nine to a reality check. For a small fee, take a tour through the shelter or take part in the Tuesday beach walk.
Both trips support the local organizers and are rewarded with a lot of cute furry love. On Instagram the #adoptdontshop movement has emerged due to the mistreatment of animals. The main goal of this movement is to highlight the advantages of adopting from a shelter rather than buying from a breeder.
Klis Fortress and Game of Thrones
Croatia’s main feature lies in its many castles, which have their own tour for you to explore. One highlight is The Fortress of Klis. It is only a 30-minute drive away and offers an amazing view over Split and the Adriatic Sea. A good tip is to get to Klis early in the morning because it is less crowded and not so hot. Protect yourself from the heat and become an adventurer at the same time by exploring the alcoves. Klis is also known from the series Game of Thrones as it was the filming location for the city Meereen. For the hard-core fans, there is also a Game of Thrones tour through Croatia.
Omiš
Omiš is a magnificent town in Split-Dalmatia County. It is perfect for strolling and lounging around. Like Klis, it is about 30 minutes away from Split, but has its own special charm as a former pirate town. Omiš is characterized by typical Dalmatian-Venetian buildings with Roman influences and tall church towers. Visit one of the many stores to taste Croatian wines, find the typical lavender bags, or buy handmade cosmetics and soaps. All of this makes Omiš a tranquil place.
Insider tip: why not stop by the Vinoteka Dionis? This family business sells homemade wines and liquors, which are also available to sample. The value for money and service is top-notch.
Split-Dalmatia County UNESCO site: Trogir
Trogir is well worth a visit due to its unique location and strong Roman influence. It is only 40 minutes away from Split. The old city centre is separated from the mainland by a canal, so if you park in the new part of the city, simply cross a bridge to get to the old part. Trogir has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, and has a beautiful esplanade with various beaches. Kamerlengo Fortress is a great choice for beholding spectacular sights, because it gives you amazing views over Trogir. Enjoy wandering around the narrow streets and taking a seat in one of the many cafés, even in the hot weather. Trogir is also a popular place for snorkelling, diving, and other trips of this kind.
This includes, for example, a trip to the Blue Lagoon, which can be easily reached by boat from Trogir. There is a tour of the bays, where you spend eight to ten hours on the water exploring unique islands and sights. The Blue Lagoon is directly accessible fromDrvenik VeliIsland and invites you to relax in the clear, blue water.
Krka National Park
Krka National Park is about an hour’s drive from Split and is especially famous for its waterfalls. Once you arrive at the park, there is a bus that will take you to the beginning of the tourist trail, which leads you down a wooden path to different viewpoints for you to admire. Although the natural spectacles are well worth seeing, this trail is not suitable for a quiet hiking day because of the huge number of tourists. Of course, the earlier you arrive, the fewer people there are.
If you want a magical experience, visit Skradinski Buk, the longest waterfall in Krka, which also permits swimmers. In cool temperatures, spend some time here and relax on the surrounding meadow, with small stalls selling snacks and drinks nearby. However, if you are looking for peace and tranquillity, you are better off away from the tourist routes.
Biokovo Nature Park
Biokovo Nature Park, which lies on Croatia’s south coast in Split-Dalmatia County, is a great place for a day trip. It’s quite a long drive from Split (around two hours), but it’s worth it because of its unique location and breathtaking sights. With many grottos, caves, and sinkholes, Biokovo is a must see for nature lovers. What’s special about this place is that it is possible to explore the surroundings alone by car.
It is also home to the Biokovo Skywalk, a 1228-meter-high glass viewing platform which opened this year. In the park there are several cabins and restaurants, such as the Vrata Biokova restaurant, with delicious local cuisines to enjoy. Many of the top sights get filled up quickly and the approach road to some of them means long waiting times. Therefore, our advice is to arrive at the entrance before the indicated opening hours so that you spend as little time as possible waiting.
Makarska
As part of the Dalmatia region, Makarska is the home of the Biokovo Nature Park. It graces the region with its natural beauty. From Split, the journey takes roughly an hour and a half. Start your day well with breakfast in the Café Romana, which is guaranteed to win you over with its sea views. Makarskais also known for its popular harbour and the many outdoor activities it has to offer.
After a lovely morning, accumulate your energy for the rest of the day in the Makarska Streetfood and Bar, and then explore the city by scooter. For those who want some more action, parasailing and other water activities are available. Or why not try out pedal boarding in this beautiful setting? Afterwards visit the Wine Club Croatia to end the day with a lovely glass of Croatian wine.
Unique Cuisine of Split-Dalmatia County
While there is a wide variety of fish and other seafood in Croatia, Split-Dalmatia County also has an exquisite international cuisine. The best part is the so-called “Makarun”, a traditional Croatian pasta dish in sauce or a breadcrumb and cheese coating. In Split’s Old Town, you can go to the restaurant of the same name and enjoy a quiet garden, away from the noise. Unfortunately, the prices are a bit above average, but the service and presentation are perfect.
It is also customary to let guests try homemade baguettes, drizzled with oil and balsamic vinegar. The waiting staff will be at your disposal with advice and recommendations for wines. Despite the high prices, this is a unique experience, great for those of you who are looking for an unusual tourist experience. Croatia is also known for all kinds of hearty stews, ham, cheese starters and Pivo-beer.
Tips and Tricks in Croatia
Croatia’s currency is the Kuna, and one euro is usually seven and a half Kuna. It is advisable to exchange a certain amount in advance before you go. We recommend between 50 and 150 euros, depending on the size of the group.
There are many payment options. It is often possible to pay with card, especially in bigger supermarket chains like KONZUM, Kaufland, or LIDL. In the smaller corner stores, however, only cash is accepted. Cash is also useful to have on the beaches, where you sometimes find freshly baked goods or fruits for sale.
A good tip is to check out Google Pay before your vacation, as it allows you to pay with your phone and the app automatically selects the best exchange rate for your transaction.
For the journey to Croatia it is best to travel by plane and rent a car for your vacation. One turn off is that, many drivers do not take the traffic rules and speed limits seriously, so a rental car with fully comprehensive insurance is the best option.
Conclusion
Croatia has all sorts of fascinating sights to offer; you will be welcomed by a pleasant mixture of culture and nature. Whether you are travelling because of wanderlust, a love for culture, or enthusiasm for beaches, you will get good value for your money here.
On the Adriatic Coast, there are also countless small islands to explore, offering a wide range of outdoor activities. Overall, enjoy a splendid time in Croatia, without breaking the bank. It’s 100% worth a visit.
For further articles about Croatia – for example, the popular Spring Break or the capital Zadar – just check out the rest of our blog.
