10 Breathtaking Year-Round Things to Do in Split Croatia

Key Takeaways:

• Split offers a rare mix of ancient ruins, Adriatic coastline, and modern Mediterranean culture that can be enjoyed any time of year.

• From Roman palaces and mountaintop hikes to seaside markets and live music, Split delivers nonstop experiences in all seasons.

• Whether you want to explore history, relax on the water, or party like a local, Split is Croatia’s most dynamic coastal destination.

Set along the sparkling shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and a vibrant mix of old-world charm and beach-town energy. Its roots go back to Roman times, with the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace serving as its ancient heart — now filled with shops, cafés, and locals living in converted stone buildings. Over the centuries, Split has transformed into a cultural capital, a beach escape, and a launching point to the Dalmatian islands.

What sets Split apart is its balance: it’s lively without being overwhelming, historic yet youthful, and always buzzing with something new to explore. Visitors love it for the climate, the sea, the food, and the sense of stepping into a place where time layers itself beautifully. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, Split always delivers more than expected.

Table of Contents

• Explore Diocletian’s Palace

• Hike or Bike Marjan Hill

• Swim and Sunbathe at Bačvice Beach

• Discover the Green Market (Pazar)

• Attend the Split Summer Festival

• Visit the Mestrovic Gallery

• Take a Day Trip to Krka National Park

• Wander the Riva Promenade at Sunset

• Tour the Underground Cellars of the Palace

• Enjoy a Ferry Ride to Hvar or Brac

1. Explore Diocletian’s Palace

No trip to Split is complete without getting lost inside Diocletian’s Palace, a sprawling 4th-century Roman complex that still forms the city’s core. Unlike most ancient ruins, this palace isn’t a museum — it’s alive with shops, homes, wine bars, and bustling squares all integrated into ancient stone walls. Wander through the Peristyle Courtyard, visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and explore narrow alleyways where history and daily life intersect.

The palace is open 24/7 as a lived-in part of the city, but guided tours (available year-round) reveal hidden symbols, underground passages, and fascinating stories about Emperor Diocletian’s retirement plan. It’s especially atmospheric at night, when spotlights illuminate the ruins and acoustic musicians serenade the squares. You’ll walk through centuries with every step.

2. Hike or Bike Marjan Hill

Marjan Hill, often called the “lungs of Split,” is a pine-covered peninsula offering panoramic views of the city, sea, and nearby islands. Locals treat it like a giant natural playground — great for hiking, biking, jogging, or just finding a quiet cliff to watch the sun dip below the Adriatic. Trails wind past chapels, scenic lookouts, and stone staircases leading to hidden coves.

You can rent a bike or walk up the hill, with benches and viewpoints like the Vidilica Café offering spots to pause along the way. It’s peaceful in the winter and vibrant in the summer, with birds chirping and the scent of pine in the air. Whether you’re exercising or soul-searching, Marjan is Split’s ultimate retreat.

3. Swim and Sunbathe at Bačvice Beach

Located just a short walk from the city center, Bačvice Beach is Split’s most popular public beach and a hub for socializing, swimming, and sipping cold drinks with your feet in the sand. The shallow bay makes it perfect for families and a favorite spot for playing “picigin” — a fast-paced local ball game played in the water.

In the summer, the beach is lined with lounge chairs, beach bars, and music events, while winter sees locals taking bold morning dips and strolling the boardwalk. The beach’s proximity to the city makes it an easy, year-round escape. Whether you want to sunbathe, party, or relax, Bačvice blends convenience with coastal bliss.

4. Discover the Green Market (Pazar)

Just outside the palace walls, the Green Market — or “Pazar” — bursts with color, smells, and local voices. Farmers from nearby villages bring in seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, cheese, honey, and handmade goods. It’s the best place to feel the heartbeat of Split and grab some fresh snacks for your island adventure or park picnic.

Open every day of the year, the market is most active in the mornings. You’ll also find local spices, lavender products, and even bargain clothes. Bargaining is welcomed, and talking with vendors gives you a slice of Croatian daily life with every purchase.

5. Attend the Split Summer Festival

Held every July and August, the Split Summer Festival transforms the city into an open-air theater, hosting opera, ballet, plays, and concerts in historic courtyards and public squares. It’s a world-class cultural event that fuses ancient architecture with contemporary performance.

Even outside the festival’s peak season, Split’s cultural calendar remains full — from jazz nights to film screenings and exhibitions. The blend of seaside breezes and artistic excellence makes for unforgettable summer nights. Whether you buy a front-row seat or stumble upon a street performance, art is always in the air.

6. Visit the Mestrovic Gallery

Located just west of Marjan Hill, the Mestrovic Gallery is dedicated to the life and work of Croatia’s most celebrated sculptor, Ivan Meštrović. Set inside a stunning villa built by the artist himself, the gallery features elegant halls and peaceful gardens filled with bronze, marble, and wood sculptures that capture the soul of Croatian identity.

Open year-round, the gallery offers both indoor and outdoor experiences — with terraces overlooking the sea and curated exhibitions that rotate seasonally. Art lovers and architecture fans alike will appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and rich cultural significance. It’s an ideal stop for a quieter, more reflective side of Split.

7. Take a Day Trip to Krka National Park

Less than 90 minutes from Split, Krka National Park is a natural wonder known for its stunning waterfalls, lush river canyons, and historical monasteries. Unlike Plitvice (its more famous cousin), Krka allows visitors to swim near some of its cascading falls, making it a summer favorite.

Even during off-season months, the park’s elevated wooden trails, quiet paths, and birdlife make for an enchanting experience. Buses and tours run year-round, or you can rent a car and explore at your own pace. Whether you’re soaking in a waterfall or snapping misty photos, Krka is a must-do nature escape from the coast.

8. Wander the Riva Promenade at Sunset

The Riva Promenade is the city’s waterfront runway — a palm-lined strip filled with cafés, gelato stands, and benches overlooking Split’s harbor. It’s where locals go to see and be seen, meet friends, or enjoy a slow espresso while watching ferries sail in from the islands.

At sunset, the sky reflects pink and orange off the water, street performers come out, and the whole promenade glows. It’s a timeless ritual that costs nothing but offers everything: romance, people-watching, and the best vibe in town. No matter the season, this is Split’s heartbeat.

9. Tour the Underground Cellars of the Palace

Beneath Diocletian’s Palace lies a vast network of underground cellars once used for storage and support structures for the emperor’s residence. Today, the vaulted stone chambers serve as an archaeological attraction and a venue for craft markets, art shows, and Game of Thrones fan tours.

The cool, quiet space offers a fascinating contrast to the bustle above and showcases the Roman engineering that still supports the city today. It’s open year-round and provides great insight into Split’s architectural legacy. History buffs and fantasy fans alike will find plenty to admire here.

10. Enjoy a Ferry Ride to Hvar or Brac

Split’s ferry port is your launchpad to some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands — and even a short day trip feels like a full-on getaway. Hvar is famous for its lavender fields, nightlife, and luxury vibe, while Brač is more laid-back, home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach and scenic hiking trails.

Ferries run frequently year-round (weather permitting), and the views of the Dalmatian coast from the boat are worth the trip alone. Whether you go for a day or a week, island hopping from Split is one of the easiest ways to stretch your adventure. It’s coastal Croatia at its finest.

What to do if you have kids?

Split is a family-friendly city with activities that cater to all ages. Kids can explore ancient ruins in Diocletian’s Palace like a real-life maze, enjoy beach days at sandy Bačvice, or run around the shady trails of Marjan Hill. Museums like the Croatian Maritime Museum or the Ethnographic Museum also offer interactive exhibits. Many restaurants are kid-friendly, and gelato shops dot every corner. With its walkable layout and welcoming vibe, Split makes traveling with children simple and fun.

Where can I find free events in Split Croatia taking place this weekend?

To find the best free cultural events, live music, markets, and community happenings in Split this weekend, visit https://planmyweekend.ai. Our AI-powered platform shows you real-time recommendations based on your interests, whether you’re into art, family fun, or beach festivals. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Plan My Weekend makes it easy to explore Split without spending a fortune.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Split

Split is the kind of city that makes you feel something — whether you’re wandering ancient alleyways, watching boats drift past, or dancing under the stars during a summer festival. It’s where Roman history meets Croatian hospitality, and every season offers its own kind of magic. Whether you come for the ruins, the islands, the sea, or the culture, Split promises a journey that’s rich, relaxing, and surprisingly easy to fall in love with. From its palace roots to its seaside soul, Split is always worth the trip.