Cruise Stop in Split: Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit

Are you planning a cruise stop in Split, Croatia? With just a few hours to explore this vibrant city, it’s essential to make the most of your time. Whether you’re a history buff or simply eager to soak in the local culture, this guide will help you navigate through the best spots, ensuring you don’t miss out on anything remarkable during your brief visit.

Split, with its stunning coastal views and rich historical tapestry, offers an array of experiences for every type of traveler. The city is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also for the awe-inspiring Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to Roman architecture. So, let’s dive into our detailed itinerary designed specifically for cruise travelers.

How to make the most of your cruise stop in Split

The beauty of Split lies in its compact design, making it an ideal destination for a quick visit. As the cruise port is conveniently located near the historic center, you’ll find it easy to explore on foot. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera; Split is overflowing with picturesque scenery just waiting to be captured.

Here’s a well-crafted day itinerary for you to experience Split’s highlights:

1. Start at the Port and Visit the Local Market

Upon disembarking, take the street to your left, bustling with cafes and shops teeming with local life. Previously, this area featured currency exchange shops, but since January 2023, Croatia has adopted the euro, alleviating the need for kunas.

After a leisurely 10-15 minute walk, you’ll arrive at the southeastern edge of Diocletian's Palace, where the lively Pazar Market comes alive each morning. This vibrant market is a sensory delight, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies. Don’t miss trying a delicious burek filled with feta cheese, a local pastry that is crispy on the outside and savory on the inside—perfect fuel for your adventure.

2. Explore the Brass Gate

Stroll towards one of the four main entrances of Diocletian's Palace: the Brass Gate (Porta Aenea). This entrance leads directly to the palace's underground cellars, a fascinating area to explore.

To give you a bit of context, the palace has four main gates, each distinct and steeped in history. Apart from the Brass Gate to the south, there's the Golden Gate to the north, the Silver Gate to the east, and the Iron Gate to the west. The Brass Gate is particularly stunning as it connects to the waterfront promenade, offering great photo opportunities if you're approaching from the Riva.

As a tip, carry a Revolut or N26 card to avoid extra fees when withdrawing cash or making purchases abroad.

3. Diocletian's Palace: The Heart of Split

Welcome to the soul of Split! The Palace of Diocletian, built between the late 3rd and early 4th centuries by Emperor Diocletian, is not just a historical site; it’s a living part of the city. Diocletian envisioned a retirement palace that was anything but modest—a fortified structure that embodies grandeur.

Unlike typical castles with moats and battlements, Diocletian's Palace is an expansive, walled complex that includes a maze of narrow streets, squares, and charming corners. It’s more than just a building; it’s a vibrant open-air museum where Roman ruins coexist with modern cafes, shops, and medieval churches.

If you prefer guided exploration, consider joining this cruise tour, often more economical than those offered by the cruise line itself.

What to see inside Diocletian's Palace

As you enter through the main southern entrance, you’ll notice vaulted cellars on either side, which are remarkably preserved and available for exploration (entry fee required). If you'd rather skip the fee, head straight through and ascend the stairs leading to the heart of the palace: the Peristyle. This grand space served as the central square of the palace and remains the focal point for visitors.

Here, you’ll find the impressive Catedral de San Domnius with its towering bell tower. Climbing to the top is said to grant you luck, so gather your energy for the ascent!

Take a winding alley to the left to visit the Temple of Jupiter, and check out the narrowest street in Split, aptly named “pusti me proc,” which translates to “let me pass.”

Don’t forget to explore the other main entrance, the Golden Gate, where a massive statue of Gregory of Nin awaits. It’s said that rubbing his toe brings good fortune.

Make sure to wander through the square with its clock tower and the Milesi Palace. Finally, exit the palace through the western side to visit the elongated Prokurative Square, reminiscent of Venice's San Marco Square with its colonnaded sides.

Ultimately, the best part of your visit will be getting lost in the labyrinthine streets, uncovering postcard-worthy spots. Split may just surprise you as it did us, filling you with memories to cherish.

Essential information for your cruise stop in Split

If you're not sure where to begin your adventure in Split, don't worry! Below is some useful information that will help you maximize your experience. Additionally, check out our guide for first-time cruisers.

Where to book affordable cruises?

You can book directly with cruise lines or explore both online travel agencies and physical branches that secure attractive packages. However, we recommend specialized cruise websites that consolidate offers across the market, such as this one.

How to get from the cruise port to downtown Split?

The journey is a breeze—your two feet will do the trick. The cruise port is just a short 15-minute walk from the Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace.

What to do in the surroundings of Split?

If you have extra time, consider visiting nearby attractions such as the charming town of Trogir or the Roman ruins of Salona. You can also join a tour to explore some of the nearby islands, like the popular and stunning Brač, Hvar, or Korčula, or venture to lesser-known spots like Šolta, Drvenik, and Čiovo on our “Island Hopping” tour.

Just be sure to check the return schedules so you won’t miss your cruise as it heads toward the Greek islands!

We hope our one-day itinerary in Split, crafted for cruise stopovers, inspires you to embrace the city’s beauty as we did. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

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