Tour guides Croatia > Split

5 ideas for guided tours in Split

• Diocletian’s Palace

  

  In the heart of Split, Diocletian’s Palace impresses with its white walls that still seem to echo a long-vanished empire. Built in the 4th century for an emperor who wished to spend his final days by the Adriatic, this vast complex blends Roman remains with traces of the Middle Ages. Entering feels like stepping into a small town, with narrow lanes, courtyards, and vaulted passageways.

  The underground halls surprise with their grand, almost theatrical proportions, where light filters softly through narrow openings. It’s easy to imagine the life that once filled these spaces — baths, reception rooms, corridors for servants. Every stone carries its own wear, as if time itself had paused in fragments.

  Moving toward the center, you come to the Basilica of St. Mary, built on the foundations of a Roman temple. Its arches and columns recall its ancient origins, while medieval frescoes and mosaics add a different layer. The blend can feel unexpected, almost disorienting, yet it comes together naturally.

• Veli Varoš district

  

  In the narrow lanes of the Veli Varoš district, stone houses huddle close together, their red-tiled roofs sloping gently toward the old town. You walk over cobblestones polished by time, sometimes climbing steeply, sometimes on level ground, until suddenly the view opens onto the Adriatic Sea. These contrasts give the neighborhood a unique, almost timeless charm.

  Scattered throughout are small churches with simple façades, witnesses to a long spiritual history. Some still hold ancient frescoes, others just a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. Stairways lead to hidden little squares, often filled with the voices of locals chatting. Everything feels intimate, almost secret.

  Turn a corner and the Clock Tower appears, a medieval remnant that recalls the historic role of this old quarter. Rising above the rooftops, it stands as a familiar landmark. Looking at it, it’s easy to picture life as it once was here, with merchants, fishermen, and travelers passing through.

• Riva Walk

  

  Here we are on a palm-lined promenade, dotted with open-air bars, running along the Adriatic and offering a spectacular view of Split’s old town. The Riva promenade is the perfect place to stroll and soak up the relaxed, coastal atmosphere.

  It’s also the best route to easily reach the city’s most popular sights, such as the Republic Square, the Clock Tower, or the Central Market.

  Take a moment to sit on a bench and admire the sea view. There are plenty of bars with beautiful terraces where you can sip a coffee or a glass of wine. These spots are where you’ll often end up chatting with locals. The Riva is lively throughout the day, with frequent live concerts, festivals, and other events that bring the promenade to life.

• Marjan Park

  

  On the Split peninsula, Marjan Park rises like a wooded hill where locals come to escape the bustle of the port. Trails wind under the pines, sometimes steep, sometimes gentle, leading to small coves where the water stays remarkably clear. You pass joggers and families out for a walk, then silence quickly returns.

  Some paths end at old hermitages carved into the rock, quiet traces of a religious past. Higher up, stairways multiply, and the climb is rewarded with a sweeping view over the city — Split’s clustered rooftops and the shifting reflections of the Adriatic. Many people end up lingering here longer than they planned.

  Heading back down, it’s common to pass near the Sustipan hill, also steeped in history, before reaching the sheltered beaches. The salty air mixes with the scent of pine resin, leaving you with a memory that feels both coastal and woodland. It’s as if you’d left the city, even though it’s just minutes away.

  The contrast is striking when you return to the center and see the Diocletian’s Palace and the lively streets appear once more. After the park’s green interlude, the ancient stones seem to glow with even more life. It’s a rhythm many visitors repeat, like a natural pause in the discovery of Split.

• Split’s beaches

  

  Here’s a list of the main beaches in Split along with a few lesser-known ones worth a stop:

  1. Bačvice: located right in the heart of Split, this is the city’s most popular and lively beach, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. It’s also one of the few sandy beaches in the area.

  Here you can try picigin, a traditional local game played while standing in the water. The goal is to make as many acrobatic passes as possible with a small ball without letting it touch the sea.

  Just past Bačvice, Ovčice Beach trades sand for pebbles and offers a more natural setting. Sunbeds line the water’s edge, and the atmosphere is quieter, perfect for relaxing.

  2. Bene: this beach lies west of Marjan Hill, surrounded by a pine forest. It’s the most out-of-the-way beach and quite a walk from the center.

  Popular with families, Bene offers plenty of play areas, and if you wander a little farther, you’ll find beautiful hidden coves for more peace and quiet.

  3. Jezinac: located along the Meštrović promenade, this beach is made up of pebbles and large flat rocks. Less well-known than the others, it’s definitely worth the trip.

  Lush greenery surrounds it, and many luxury villas were built here, giving the area a privileged atmosphere. It’s also a favorite spot for scuba diving, home to many different marine species.

  4. Trstenik: this pebble beach sits west of Split, just past Zenta Marina. Shaped like a perfect crescent moon, it’s bordered by a lovely promenade.

  It’s less crowded than most other beaches, and its facilities are simpler, which makes it more tranquil.

  5. Znjan: on the east side of the city, this sandy, palm-lined beach is calmer and less busy than the others. It’s an ideal spot to relax, soak up the sun with views of the Adriatic islands, and in the evening, enjoy its lively beach bars.

  6. Kašjuni: another beach within Marjan Park, and considered by many the most beautiful in Split. Don’t be put off by the pebbles — here you can easily rent a sunbed, spend the day lounging, swimming, and admiring the dramatic backdrop of cliffs. At night, an open-air club keeps the party going until late.