Split

Looking for a historic location by the sea with a myriad of things to do and see? Discover the port city of Split, a fantastic holiday destination in mainland Croatia and an important gateway to the numerous islands of the country!

Plan your ferry trip to Split and then to its neighboring islands on Ferryhopper with our top travel tips. Browse all the ways to get to/from Split by ferry and book your ferry tickets online, easily and quickly.

Below, you can read all about:

• Split ferry port
• Vacation in Split

Stunning architectural elements of the Diocletian's Palace

Split ferry port

The ferry port of Split has turned the Croatian city into a crucial hub of maritime transportation, serving connections with many of its neighboring islands and even the eastern coast of Italy. 

Thanks to its convenient location and multiple ferry services, which include both conventional and high-speed vessels, traveling to and from the port of Split is nothing but smooth sailing.

Ferries from Split port: schedules and tickets

Being the largest city on the coast of Croatia, Split is connected to other mainland ports and several Adriatic Islands. The ferry companies primarily serving these routes are TP-Line, Kapetan Luka - Krilo and Jadrolinija. Specifically:

• Split - Dubrovnik ferry: the route between the two mainland ports is available seasonally, with ferry trips that last around 5 hours on average and tickets that cost €45.
• Split - Makarska ferry: ferries to Makarska usually travel seasonally and make the crossing in 1.5-4.5 hours, depending on the vessel. Ferry tickets usually cost €20-€30 for this route.
• Split - Bol (Brač) ferry: from March to October, you can find daily crossings to Bol, on the island of Brač. Ferry tickets range from €6 to €20, with the trip duration being 1 hour on average.
• Split - Milna (Brač) ferry: this is a year-round route to the island of Brač that lasts roughly 30 minutes. The price of a single ferry ticket starts at around €5.
• Split - Hvar ferry: there are daily ferries to the island of Hvar all year round that make the crossing in 1 hour on average. Depending on the operator, ferry tickets to Hvar cost around €6-€20.
• Split - Korčula ferry: there’s at least 1 daily ferry traveling to Korčula throughout the year. A standard ticket costs around €9-€25, while the trip lasts around 2.5-3.5 hours.
• Split - Pomena ferry (Mljet): seasonally, you can find daily connections to the island of Mljet that last 3-3.5 hours. Ticket prices for this route are usually fixed at around €25.

Additionally, there are ferry connections between Split and Ancona in Italy, operated by SNAV and Jadrolinija. Departures are available year-round, with several weekly schedules between the two countries, depending on the season.

Where is the ferry port in Split?

The port of Split is situated on the western coast of Croatia, in the region of Dalmatia. It is close to the city’s historic center.

How to get to Split port?

There are both bus and train stations right across the street from Split’s ferry terminal. Alternatively, you can get there from the historic center of Split on foot or other neighboring locations. If you’re staying farther away in the area, moving around by car or taxi/private ride is your best solution.

Important: keep in mind that there is restricted circulation applied to some historic corners of the city.

The irresistible coastline of Split

Vacation in Split

Split is the largest city on the coast of Croatia and in all of Dalmatia. It boasts a rich maritime history, stunning architecture and countless cultural initiatives that make the city all the more stunning.

It is a perfect year-round destination for families, groups of friends, couples who are in search of a romantic getaway, and even solo travelers! Still, we highly recommend visiting Split in the summer, where you can attend the Split Summer Festival and go island hopping in the pristine Adriatic Islands.

How to get to Split

You can quickly get to Split by ferry, plane or train, depending on your preferred mode of transportation.

Reaching Split by ferry is the best way to get in the right mood for holidays in the Adriatic Sea, with direct connections from other mainland cities in Croatia (Dubrovnik and Makarska), the Adriatic Islands and the Italian port city of Ancona. 

To get there by train instead, there are two train stations, connecting Split with Zagreb, Pula and Dubrovnik (Croatia), Munich (Germany), Budapest (Hungary), Vienna (Austria), and more!

Last but not least, you can catch a flight to Split Airport, which serves many international connections. Once you get there, you can resume your journey to the center of Split by shuttle bus, taxi/private ride or even rent a car close to the airport.

What to do in Split

What isn’t there to do in Split? Beach hopping, bar hopping, island hopping, the list goes on. And for more sophisticated moments, Split, with its Diocletian's Palace (which forms almost half of the Old Town), rewards you with unforgettable historical and cultural sightseeing options.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, you can discover the best of Split below, including all the best beachy spots, gastronomic delights, nightlife options and more!

The Republic Square of Split before it gets crowded

Beaches in Split

The beaches of Split are known for their diverse, natural beauty. From sandy spots to wind-exposed stretches, there is something for all preferences here, whether you’re after a quick dive within walking distance of the center or an adventure on the coastline’s hidden gems.

The team of Ferryhopper suggests that you check out the following beaches in Split:

• Tristenik beach: this beautiful stretch is close to the urban center of Split and provides visitors with many amenities. It has light pebbles and crystal clear waters for you to enjoy all day long. There are parking lots in the nearby hotels.
• Bačvice beach: among the few sandy beaches in the area of Split, this one is a fan favorite. It’s a great location for more sporty activities and can accommodate large groups of travelers, as it’s quite a long and spacious stretch.
• Ovcice beach: close to the beach of Bačvice, this spot is popular among all types of travelers and makes for a more relaxing swimming spot.
• Kasjuni beach: it’s a mesmerizing beach with beautiful surroundings, full of pine trees. As a result, finding natural shade is relatively easy here, or you can rent a sun lounger from one of the nearby bars.
• Jezinac beach: this beach is only 1 km from the city center of Split and it’s a perfect spot for snorkeling. In the area, you can find bathing establishments, parking lots and coffee shops

Sightseeing in Split

In Split, lovers of history, culture and imposing architecture are in for a little treat. Luckily, sightseeing in Split is quite an easy sport, as most of the popular attractions are located in Old Town, the historic center of the city. In fact, half of the Old Town consists of the vast Diocletian’s Palace, with countless magnificent corners that you must definitely check out.

• The Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes more than 200 visitable buildings
• The Cathedral of St. Domnius, one of the oldest cathedrals in the world
• The Golden Gate leading to the Diocletian’s Palace
• The National Theatre of Croatia
• The Archaeological Museum, found close to the National Theatre
• The Temple of Jupiter, once dedicated to the god of the same name
• The Pjaca Square, a popular meeting point with artistic touches and touristy places to relax
• The Marjan Forest Park, a seaside location of lush greenery that is perfect for walking and hiking
• The vast Republic Square

Fun fact: a few scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed in Split. You can discover them on your own or through guided tours for Westeros enthusiasts!

Nightlife in Split

The largest city in all of Dalmatia certainly does not disappoint when it comes to its nightlife. From cozy pubs to seaside restaurants and late-night parties, going out in Split is the perfect way to conclude your day. Even witnessing the Old Town at night is a sight to behold.

In the summer, especially, you can find several open-air concerts and festivals with a ton of dancing and singing involved! A shining example of this is the long-standing Split Summer Festival which lasts around 1 month!

Tip: if you wish to stay out after midnight, keep in mind that there are no night buses. You can call a taxi if you have no other way of reaching your accommodation.

Picturesque marina in the area of Split

Food in Split

The food scene of Split is a perfect starting point for gastronomic tourism in Croatia, as it is a melting pot of many different cuisines. With mouthwatering seafood, refreshing herbs and unique sweets, the food in Split will leave you all too satisfied. We highly recommend the following products in Split:

• Manistra na pome (pasta with tomato sauce)
• Paski sir (cheese from the island of Pag)
• Brodetto (fish stew, known in the dialect of Split as brujet)
• Fritule (a festive Croatian delicacy resembling a doughnut)
• Dalmatian wine varieties, like Crljenak Kaštelanski

Tip: for the best tomato sauce, head over to the beloved Konoba Hvaranin, a cozy restaurant in the area of Varos. You should also check out the famous Split market (pazar) for local products.

Useful information about Split

As a city that truly combines it all, you might be wondering what’s the best place to stay in Split and truly become one with the area’s energy. The most recommended place to find accommodation in Split is the Old Town, combining comfort, sightseeing and entertainment all in one place.

Alternatively, you may be interested in exploring more beachside locations or areas that tend to be more budget-friendly, such as Dobri and Manus.

Whichever your choice, Split provides visitors with all essential comforts, including ATMs, rental and medical services, as well as entertainment options that cater to all.

Tip: Split is one of the many top-tier Croatian destinations for digital nomads! Discover all the reasons why you should embrace remote work in the seaside paradise of Split in our dedicated article!

Important phone numbers for your stay in Split

Here are some useful phone numbers for your stay in the port city of Split:

• Split Airport: +38521203555
• Split Port Authority: +38521390214 or +38521390222
• Police: 192
• Ambulance: 194
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Split

Many must-visit locations in Split are pedestrian-only, meaning the circulation of vehicles is limited. This mostly affects the Old Town of Split, including the world-famous Diocletian's Palace. This is why moving around by car or taxi in the area of Split usually includes many detours.

There is also a convenient bus network in Split which is in operation from early in the morning to almost midnight. The main station is a stone’s throw away from the National Theatre. You can also find shuttle bus services that take you to/from the airport of Split. As for trains, Split is connected to other Croatian and European cities, but there are no local connections for moving around Split.

Tip: if bringing along your vehicle is not an option, there are several rental services in Split that you can take advantage of (both in the city center and the airport).

Strolling around the historic area of Split

Book ferry tickets online to Split

Your trip to the magnificent port city of Split is only a few clicks away. Take a look at our interactive Map of ferries, visualize your ferry getaway across Croatia, and plan every step of your trip hassle-free.