A historic city two thousand years old, a fishing and commercial port, a ferry junction, a seaside resort with a large marina, Split combines the assets of an ultra dynamic capital in the heart of Dalmatia. 2 hours by plane from Paris or Marseille, the second largest conurbation in Croatia offers multiple holiday ideas for holidaymakers and visitors. But the metropolis does not live only on tourism. Its heavy industries, cement, iron, plastics, shipyards, continue to operate. The majority of the factories are located in the inner suburbs, which gives an unattractive first impression when approaching the city by the northern or southern roads.In the city centre, on the other hand, you will discover a rich historical heritage. The pedestrian sector is organized around the 1,700-year-old Diocletian Palace. Today, this imperial Hellenistic residence is not only an archaeological area, it is an active district, in the heart of a very commercial city that communicates with the waterfront (riva), the shaded terraces, the port and its huge ferries to the islands.Another advantage is the climate! Split enjoys good sunshine all year round.Historical landmarksAt the origin of Split, a small Greek colony was founded in the 4th century BC in Aspalathos Bay. Between 295 and 305 AD, Emperor Gaius Valerius Aurelius Diocletianus launched the major works on his palace a few leagues from the ancient Salona, the capital of Dalmatia at the time. After abdicating, the emperor withdrew to finish his days there. Upon his death in 313, the palace became the second residence of the Roman emperors who succeeded him until the end of the 5th century. At the beginning of the 7th century, following the invasions of the Avars and Slavs and the destruction of their city in 612, the inhabitants of Salone took refuge in the palace, giving birth to a real enclosed city of 4 hectares.From the 11th century onwards, Split began to move beyond the limits of the palace, with the rich patricians building a few houses nearby while the poor population still lived within the walls. The Roman mausoleum was converted into a cathedral and received the relics of Saint Domnius and Saint Anastasius, two Christians martyred by Diocletian.Before the 10th century, Split was under Byzantine authority, but its population included an increasing number of Croats, Slavs, people from neighbouring cities. From the 10th century onwards, the authority of Croatian kings was felt there. At the beginning of the 12th century, as in most Dalmatian cities, the administration of an autonomous city seemed to have settled down over time. But two centuries later, it was the powerful Venice that imposed its own governance until the end of the 17th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, following the Napoleonic conquests, the city became French and then became part of the Austro-Hungarian empire.After the First World War, the active city attracted new migratory flows. The Second World War was devastating. From the 1950s onwards, reconstruction initiated a long period of economic and tourist development, while, compared with other cities on the coast, the last war (1991-1995) had little material impact.Today, Split is also an important university centre and a cultural centre for the country. In high season, from July 15 to August 15, you can enjoy a series of cultural events (concerts, operas, ballets, theatre). Musicians, visual artists, designers, performers, stylists and other writers-poets animate contemporary artistic life.

What to visit Split?

When to go to Split?

When to go to Split? The best time to visit Croatia and stay in Split is from May to September: it is a warm and sunny period. However, if you have the opportunity, you may want to avoid the months of July and August. The Adriatic coastline sees an influx of European vacationers who mix with the local population and tourists. The beaches are crowded, as are the historical sites and national parks, especially from July 15 to August 15. May, June and September are the best months to visit. The bulk of family tourism has not arrived or has already left. Hotels and private rentals generally charge "low season" rates. In April and October, it can be a little cool to sleep in a tent or go swimming, but the Croatian coast continues to enjoy bright days, perfect for hiking, although rainfall can be heavy. You can swim in the Adriatic Sea from the beginning of June to the beginning of October (water temperature between 21 and 24°C). In the summer in Split, many shows are scheduled, including the Ultra Europe Festival, an electronic music festival, in July.

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Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

The climate in Croatia varies from semi-continental in the north, with high altitude temperatures in the center, to Mediterranean on the Adriatic coast and in Spilt, with contrasting episodes throughout the year: early springs, pleasant late seasons, plenty of sunshine, but also heavy precipitation, from north to south, violent winds. Summers are generally very hot, but the rest of the year is rather mild.

Budget

The Croatian currency is the kuna. For the moment, a trip to Croatia (except for the transportation to get there) will not be too expensive for a French tourist; even if differences exist according to the sites. Zagreb and the Adriatic coast, especially Split, are more expensive. Please note that the euro is also accepted, which tends to push the prices up a bit. However, it is better to have in your wallet bills of both currencies: euro and kuna.

Procedures

As Croatia is a member of the European Union, a passport or identity card is sufficient to stay in Split for European Union nationals for a tourist stay of less than three months. No visa is required to travel to Croatia. Attention, each minor (even if accompanied by his parents), must have an identity card or passport in his name: the Croatian border police is very vigilant in this respect.

Health

In Croatia and Split in particular, the health services are very competent. Before you leave, just check to see if your vaccinations (DT Polio, etc.) are up to date. Concerning water in Croatia, no problem: tap water is drinkable throughout the country. If some insects can be found on the coast and in the forests, they will not be so different from French insects and the precautions (creams...) will be the same. Since Croatia's accession to the EU, the European Health Insurance Card has been accepted.

How to go to Split? Our advice & tips

Croatia, a major destination for Eastern European tourism, is easily visited by organised tours. Many tours are organized (by coach, self-drive, group or individual, cruise in the Adriatic Sea, cultural tour...) to discover Croatia and its cities. Escapades are also possible and focus on cities. Finally, you can also opt for an "all inclusive" seaside holiday in some resorts (Split or Dubrovnik in particular).

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No problem to visit Croatia by your own means. The plane is certainly the easiest way to get there. But bus, train, road or boat are also possible. The country is generally safe. However, be careful in some areas: there may be mines left over from the Serbo-Croat conflict. But the areas to avoid are well marked. Finally, wild camping is forbidden.

Many domestic air links. The bus network is denser than the train network. However, Croatia's steep terrain makes these bus journeys long and uncomfortable. Sometimes it is necessary to prefer the ferry, which is faster and cheaper. With the exception of frequent police checks, travelling by car is pleasant. The public transport network in Split is efficient. You also have taxis and taxi boats. And you can rent a car, a bike, a sailboat.

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Pictures and images Split

Promenade sur le front de mer à Split. Torsten Becker
Porte d'or. Cortyn - Shuttertsock.com
Magnifique vue sur la ville de Split. S.Nicolas
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA MUSÉE DE LA MARINE (HRVATSKI POMORSKI MUZEJ)

Discover Split

When to travel?

When to go to Split? The best time to visit Croatia and stay in Split is from May to September: it is a warm and sunn...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

The climate in Croatia varies from semi-continental in the north, with high altitude temperatures in the center, to M...
Read more about it

Budget

The Croatian currency is the kuna. For the moment, a trip to Croatia (except for the transportation to get there) wil...
Read more about it

Formalities

As Croatia is a member of the European Union, a passport or identity card is sufficient to stay in Split for European...
Read more about it

Health

In Croatia and Split in particular, the health services are very competent. Before you leave, just check to see if yo...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

No problem to visit Croatia by your own means. The plane is certainly the easiest way to get there. But bus, train, r...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Croatia, a major destination for Eastern European tourism, is easily visited by organised tours. Many tours are organ...
Read more about it

Getting around

Many domestic air links. The bus network is denser than the train network. However, Croatia's steep terrain makes the...
Read more about it

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