Things To Do
in Split

Squid ink risotto made with cuttlefish or squid—rich, briny and a Dalmatian specialty; commonly found in seafood restaurants along the waterfront.

Must-Try!

A slow-roasted dish of meat (lamb, veal, or octopus) and vegetables cooked under a bell-shaped lid over coals; best at traditional konobas or family-run eateries—order ahead in many places.

Locally caught fish like sea bream, sea bass and scampi, simply grilled and served with olive oil, lemon and seasonal greens; widely available near the port.

A marinated beef stew slowly cooked in sweet-and-sour sauce, typically served with homemade gnocchi—hearty Dalmatian comfort food found in traditional restaurants.

A polite greeting (Dobar dan — good day) and a handshake work well. Use 'molim' (please) and 'hvala' (thank you). Croatians appreciate courteous behavior and modest dress in religious sites.

Meals are social—take your time and enjoy courses. It’s polite to wait until everyone is served before starting; don’t be surprised if hosts offer extra food or drinks.

Diocletian’s Palace is a living heritage site with residents—respect private areas, avoid loud behavior in narrow alleys and follow rules at archaeological sites.

Bargaining is uncommon in shops; markets sometimes allow small haggles on bulk purchases. Tipping is modest as noted above.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In sit-down restaurants, leaving 5–10% for good service is common; round up taxi fares and leave small change for cafe or bar service. For guided tours or boat crews, a modest tip is customary when pleased with service.

Croatia uses the euro. Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in Split, especially in tourist areas; carry some cash for markets, small vendors or rural trips. ATMs are plentiful—notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.

June–August: hot, sunny and busy. Expect crowds, higher prices and full ferries; ideal for swimming, island hopping and nightlife. Book accommodation and boat tours in advance.

April–May: mild weather, blooming landscapes and fewer tourists—great for sightseeing, hiking Marjan Hill and early-season island trips. Some seasonal services start operating in late spring.

September–October: warm sea temperatures linger and crowds thin; harvest festivals and lower rates make it a pleasant shoulder season for outdoor activities.

November–March: mild but wetter and windier, many island services and some restaurants reduce hours. Good for a quieter cultural visit; be aware some attractions may have shorter opening times.

A forested peninsula within the city with short trails, viewpoints, small chapels and clearings—ideal for sunrise, running and easy hikes with panoramic sea views.

Rugged range northeast of Split with longer trails, stone shepherds’ huts and routes suitable for day hikes and mountain biking; offers excellent views over Split and the islands.

Dramatic karst mountain range south of Split with high peaks, steep cliffs and the Biokovo Skywalk—great for more serious hiking and spectacular coastal vistas.

Combines short canyon hikes with canyoning, rafting and zipline activities—accessible by a short drive from Split and ideal for adventure seekers.

Majority of residents with a strong regional Dalmatian identity, speaking Croatian and maintaining traditional cuisine and customs.

Split University brings a student population that contributes to cultural life, nightlife and year-round activity.

Large seasonal influx of international tourists and temporary residents in summer, affecting services, prices and crowds.

Growing numbers of foreigners and digital nomads living in Split year-round, attracted by lifestyle and connectivity.