Why Split, Croatia should be on your bucket list?

Editor

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Created on Jan 22, 2022

Jan 22, 2022

Categories: Bareboats Destination

Established on a peninsula between the eastern side of Kastela Bay and the Split Strait, Split is a very sheltered port city with the 178-meter Marjan Hill on the west, the 779-meter Kozjak Ridge in the north and northeast, and the 1339-meter Mosor Ridge. Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century under the name Aspálathos, Split was ruled by Albanian, Roman, Byzantine, Avar, Slavic, Mongolian, Venetian, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Germany in the following periods. The most important work that reflects the character of Split, which bears the traces of many cultures, is the Roman ruler Diocletian, AD. It was a summer palace built here in 300. This palace, which makes Split even more remarkable, was used by Roman rulers after Diocletian's death.

First “Old Town” and Dieklotianus Palace

Split, the second largest city in Croatia after Zagreb, is a city with a population of approximately 470,000, with the locals of Trogir, Omis, Solin, Kastela, Podstrana, Sinj, Dugopolje, Klis as well as Brac, Hvar, Solta and many more. Of course, the surroundings of Split are also very beautiful, but the old city is such an impressive place that you can travel back in time. We strongly recommend that you spend three or four hours in Split's Old Town and stroll through the magnificent examples of Renaissance architecture. Also, you should not miss Marmont Street, Pjaca Square with its beautiful marble tiles, Fruit Square which is full of traditional markets.

Diocletian's Palace, built at the beginning of the 4th century and included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List; contains the golden gate, the military camp, and the villa where Roman emperor Diocletian retired. You can learn all the historical stories and the places where Game of Thrones scenes were shot with a two-hour guided tour and visit this great palace / castle. The Temple of Jupiter, another artifact that you must see in the palace, is located in the western part of the palace. At the entrance of the temple, one of the twelve sphinxes brought by Emperor Diocletian from Egypt will greet you. Another work close to Diocletian's Palace is a contemporary sculpture. Grgur Ninski, made by Croatia's famous sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, is worth visiting as one of the symbols of Split.

The oldest cathedral in the world is also in Split!

Saint Domnius, the world's oldest catholic cathedral from the 7th century, has an impressive history and is very well preserved. After visiting the cathedral, the cellar and the baptistery, you can climb the bell tower for the best view of the city. However, be careful not to go up to the tower at the beginning of the hour, because the bell is still ringing as it did on the first day!

And even the oldest museum in Croatia…

Split Archaeological Museum is a museum where you can find Roman and Early Christian art as well as Medieval art. It is also called the “living museum” because there are also small performances showing the life of the Ancient Romans in Split.

Don't miss Riva's stunning sunset

Since it is located right next to Diocletian's Palace, we recommend that you take an afternoon stroll in Riva after a day in the palace and soak up the sun there. If you're lucky, you might even stumble upon a beautiful outdoor music performance.

For those who want to taste Croatian wines…

If you have time before your boat holiday starts, you can go to Putalj Winery, 20 minutes from Split. If your time is limited, do not worry, you will find many wine shops in Split. Zinfandel Wine Bar in the Old Town is one of the places that will satisfy you with its rich cellar of Croatian wines.

Medieval architecture lovers should definitely stop by Trogir. Located 30 kilometers from Split, Trogir is worth seeing with its medieval architecture and quiet atmosphere. Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in BC. It has a history dating back to 380 years. Most of Trogir, which bears the traces of the Greeks, Romans, Hungarians and Venetians, is located within the 15th century walls. By the way; If you want to shop at a local market for your boat holiday, you can visit the Trogir market, which operates every day and even has a fish section.

It's time to sail

Yacht charter options for the most beautiful islands of the Southern Adriatic are unlimited in Split.
Here are the islands that you should not miss on your boat holiday in Split…

Brac: One of Dalmatia's largest islands, Brac is only 10 nautical miles from Split. Its translucent sea, high hills, olive groves, fishing villages and beaches are the highlights of Brac. It is also home to Zlatni Rat, which is known as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Croatian coastline and merges with a rich pine forest.

Drvenik Veliki: It will be a good stop for your trip with its many sandy and pebbly beaches and coves. The Blue Lagoon, a shallow bay with sparkling and clear turquoise waters, is the island's best-known spot. The Blue Lagoon is a great option for snorkeling.

Hvar: A dream island with beautiful examples of medieval architecture, sunny beaches, lavender and sage scented slopes, vineyards and olive groves. Hvar is also home to one of the oldest theatres, dating from 1612, a Renaissance castle and a lovely baroque square.

Pakleni Islands: This group of islands right next to Hvar is beautiful with its indented coastline, pine forests and limestone-shaped rocks, and with its numerous tranquil coves, it surely provides you with a beautiful sanctuary.

Solta: In addition to its untouched bays, Solta is a fertile island with products such as fresh olives, wine and figs. The beauty and virginity of this island is due to decades of military protection and no diving. The island, which is now open to everyone, is a favorite of divers with its coral reefs, sponges and rich fauna at 10-15 amazing dive sites.

Vis: With its two small towns (Vis and Komiza) and small villages scattered all over the island, Vis, with its beautiful hidden coves, is an ideal stop for sailors who love the quiet island life. The famous Stiniva beach is located on the south side of Vis.

Bisevo: Located directly opposite the Komiza town of Vis, the island is home to the Blue Cave, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the Adriatic. The cave, which you can enter by a small boat or boat, will be one of the places that make your holiday unforgettable with the blue light filtering from its walls and sea reflections.

Mljet: Mljet, dating from the 12th century, is Croatia's greenest island. Protected as a National Park, Mljet, with its volcanic origin, is a must-visit island with its two salt lakes, 12th century Benedictine Monastery and magnificent bays. Lumbarda, the fishing village in the south, is one of the favorite places of boat holidaymakers.

Korcula: Although not as close to Split as Brac or Hvar, it is definitely a stop worth exceeding 110 nautical miles. The center of Korcula, covered with vineyards and olive groves, is a charming medieval town. Korcula, where you can see the traces of Venice, is also known as "little Dubrovnik". Korcula, which is relatively far from Split, provides a more refined environment for boat holidaymakers.

Lastovo: The island of Lastovo, off Mljet and Korcula, will give you peace of mind with its lush nature, beautiful sea and simple island life. Another remarkable feature of Lastovo, almost all of which is a natural forest park, is the delicious shrimps and lobsters caught in its crystal clear sea!