Things To Do
in Solin
Solin is a small historic town on the eastern outskirts of Split, best known as the site of the ancient Roman city of Salona. It sits where the Jadro River meets the Kaštela Bay and blends archaeological ruins, waterways and working-town life. Visitors come for easy access to Split, quieter local atmosphere and well-preserved late-antique and early-medieval monuments.
Solin makes a convenient base for exploring Dalmatia’s coast while offering a more local, low-key experience than the nearby tourist hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Split Airport and take a short drive to Solin. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic town. Admire the picturesque views of the surrounding countryside as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
Explore the remnants of the ancient Roman city of Salona, including the impressive ruins of the amphitheater and basilica. Engage with a knowledgeable local guide who can provide fascinating insights into the history of the site. Savor a traditional Croatian lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Stroll along the banks of the River Jadro, enjoying the sunset reflected on the water. Dine at a cozy bistro in Solin, sampling regional specialties alongside a glass of local wine. Relax and absorb the tranquil ambiance of the town as the stars begin to twinkle overhead.
Head to the nearby city of Split to explore Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The morning sun lights up the ancient walls, creating a magical atmosphere as you wander through the narrow streets. Stop by a local bakery for fresh pastries and coffee.
Visit the Split waterfront promenade, known as Riva, where you can people-watch and enjoy the vibrant local culture. Have lunch at a seafood restaurant with views of the Adriatic Sea. Spend some time browsing shops and markets for unique souvenirs.
Return to Solin and unwind at your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a family-run restaurant, where you can taste the flavors of Dalmatian cuisine. End the night with a nightcap at a local bar, mingling with friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Cappuccino / Coffee | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Domestic Beer (0.5 L) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $3-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Split and major attractions without the same crowds
- Significant archaeological sites (Salona) and scenic riverfront
- Lower prices and a more local, relaxed atmosphere than the city centre
- Good base for exploring Dalmatian coast, islands and nearby hiking
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist services than Split
- Some sites have seasonal opening hours in low season
- Public transport is good to Split but options to more remote areas may require car
- Summer crowds in nearby Split and limited beach space at peak times
- "Dobar dan" - Good day / Hello
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
- "Gdje je ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Račun, molim" - The bill, please
- "Govoriš li engleski?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Solin
Visit one of these nice places.
Roman ruins, amphitheatre, basilicas and ruins set in open fields—excellent for wide-angle landscape shots and textured ancient stone close-ups.
Tree-lined riverside paths and reflections in the clear water—great for golden-hour photography and local life scenes.
Short drive up to Klis offers panoramic views over Solin, Split, and the Adriatic islands—ideal for sweeping skyline shots, especially at sunset.
Views across the mouth of the river toward Split’s waterfront and Diocletian’s Palace—good for contrasting modern life and ancient architecture.
Coastal scenes, fishing boats and island silhouettes—perfect for sunrise/sunset and long-exposure seascapes.
Food in Solin
Solin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-braised beef stew in a sweet-sour sauce, usually served with gnocchi—a Dalmatian classic available in many konobas and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
Risotto cooked with cuttlefish or squid ink, giving it a distinctive flavor and color; commonly served in coastal restaurants in Solin and Split.
Simple, fragrant shellfish or fish stew prepared with white wine, garlic, parsley and tomatoes—perfect with crusty bread.
Locally caught fish like sea bream or sea bass, simply prepared with olive oil and herbs at seaside konobas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small market stalls and farmers selling seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheese and olive oil—good for snacks and picnic supplies.
A short bus/taxi ride away; the Pazar has fresh produce and local specialties, while the nearby fish market offers very fresh catch—great for buying ingredients or quick bites.
Occasional seasonal stalls near beaches and parks offering burek, grilled corn, and simple sandwiches; most substantial street-food options are in Split.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite 'Dobar dan' (good day) and handshake for initial meetings are common; be respectful and formal with elders.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; keep noise low at religious sites and cemeteries.
Acceptances of offers of food and drinks are polite; it’s customary to wait for a host to say 'Dobar tek' before eating.
Littering is frowned upon—respect coastal and rural environments and follow local recycling norms where indicated.
Safety
Tipping in Solin
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory—10% in restaurants is common for good service; round up taxi fares and leave a few kuna/euros for small services. In smaller konobas a small cash tip is welcome.
Croatia uses the euro; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in towns and tourist businesses, but carry some cash for small shops, markets and rural vendors. Contactless payments and mobile wallet usage are common in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry and busy (June–August). Expect high temperatures (mid 20s–30s °C), crowded beaches and higher prices; book accommodation and transport in advance and seek shade during midday heat.
Warm and pleasant (September–November) with fewer tourists, comfortable sea temperatures into early autumn and good conditions for hiking, sightseeing and wine/olive harvest events.
Mild and wetter (December–February) with temperatures rarely far below freezing; many tourist services reduce hours but this is a calm time for low-season rates and local cultural experiences.
Blooming landscapes and mild weather (March–May), fewer crowds and good conditions for hiking, cycling and exploring archaeological sites before summer heat arrives.
Solin at Night
Hiking in Solin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, accessible hikes up to the fortress with panoramic views over Split, Solin and surrounding islands—suitable for most fitness levels.
A coastal park on a peninsula in Split offering scenic trails, viewpoints, and historic chapels—about 15–20 minutes from Solin by car or bus.
More challenging mountain trails north of Split with limestone ridges, forested paths and rewarding vistas—good for a day hike for experienced walkers.
Dramatic karst mountains south of Makarska with several hiking trails and viewpoints; can be visited as a long day trip from Solin for experienced hikers and drivers.
Airports
How to reach Solin by plane.
Approximately 20–30 km from Solin (about 30–40 minutes by car or shuttle depending on traffic). The main gateway for Dalmatia with regular European flights, taxis and shuttle buses to Split.
A small regional airport on Brač island—useful if combining island travel; reach by ferry from Supetar and then drive or transfer to Solin.
About 90–120 minutes drive north of Solin—serves many low-cost carriers and is an option if flying into northern Dalmatia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, often multigenerational families rooted in the area with ties to maritime and agricultural livelihoods.
Communities from other parts of former Yugoslavia and recent migrant populations contribute cultural variety in small numbers.
Large influx of European tourists in summer and seasonal hospitality workers who support the tourism economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region strongly supports football—Hajduk Split is the famous local club with passionate supporters and regular matches in Split.
Sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle and recreational boating are popular thanks to easy sea access and nearby marinas.
Both sports have local followings, common in school and community sports programs across the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Solin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but less varied than in big cities—look for grilled vegetables, cheeses, salads, and pasta; communicate restrictions clearly and ask for olive-oil-based dishes.
Vegan choices are limited in traditional konobas but improving; larger restaurants and cafés in Split offer vegan dishes—carry snacks when exploring Solin.
Increasingly accommodated in tourist-oriented restaurants; ask about pasta and bread, and prefer grilled dishes and seafood to avoid cross-contamination.
Seafood is common—inform staff about shellfish or other allergies. Basic English is widely understood in tourist areas, but having allergies written in Croatian can help.