One Week In Split: A 7-Day Itinerary For The Historic City

A perfect week in Split balances the ancient with the scenic. Start with Diocletian’s Palace and Old Town exploration, then climb Marjan Hill for panoramic views. Visit bustling markets, tour Game of Thrones filming locations, and relax at Bačvice Beach. Take day trips to islands like Brač and Hvar, explore Klis Fortress, and experience Krka National Park’s waterfalls. Don’t miss sunset walks along the Riva waterfront. Our day-by-day breakdown will maximize your Croatian adventure.

Good To Know

• Split offers a perfect 7-day blend of Diocletian’s Palace exploration, island-hopping to Brač and Hvar, and day trips to Krka National Park.
• Begin with historic city center tours focusing on UNESCO sites, then schedule beach days at Bačvice and panoramic hikes up Marjan Hill.
• Include a full day at Klis Fortress, combining Game of Thrones filming locations with authentic Croatian cuisine and spectacular views.
• Balance cultural activities like morning Green Market visits with relaxation at waterfront cafés along the Riva promenade.
• Reserve one day for catamaran tours to nearby islands, featuring swimming stops, village exploration, and local food experiences.

Arriving in Split: Exploring the Ancient Heart of Croatia

Three major civilizations have shaped Split’s ancient core: Greek colonists who established Aspálathos in the 2nd or 3rd century BC, Illyrian tribes who traded with them, and Romans who later dominated the region. When you arrive, you’ll immediately encounter Diocletian’s Palace, built between 295-305 CE, which still dominates the city’s historic landscape.

The palace isn’t just a relic—it’s integrated into modern Split, with shops, restaurants, and homes nestled within ancient walls. As you wander through narrow stone streets, you’ll notice how Byzantine influences blend with Roman architecture. Split combines its historical significance with luxury experiences reminiscent of Europe’s finest holiday destinations. Water for the palace and its residents was supplied by an impressive 9 km aqueduct from Jadro Spring, an engineering marvel that remains partially functional today.

The harbor that once attracted prehistoric settlers remains essential today. Begin your exploration at the palace’s peristyle, where Split’s layered history comes alive with every step you take.

Panoramic Views and Beach Relaxation: Marjan Hill and Beyond

After exploring Split’s historic heart, you’ll want to retreat from the lively avenues for Marjan Hill, a 178-meter-high peninsula that serves as the city’s green lung. The hill offers accessible hiking trails through Mediterranean pine forests with stunning viewpoints like Vidilica, where you’ll capture panoramic shots of Split’s harbor and cityscape. Visitors can reach the panoramic viewpoints by climbing the famous 220 steps to the first lookout, then continuing to higher elevations for even more spectacular views.

Balance your active days with relaxation at nearby beaches. Bačvice, Ovčice, and Podstrana offer swimming, sunbathing, and waterfront cafés perfect for refreshments. For families traveling with children, Split provides many of the family-friendly amenities that make Germany’s top cities attractive for parents. Don’t miss watching a traditional picigin game at Bačvice.

For a complete experience, take day trips to islands like Brač or Šolta, explore Mosor mountain, or walk along Riva waterfront at sunset. End your days savoring fresh seafood and Dalmatian cuisine to refuel after your adventures.

Local Markets and Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Split’s cultural tapestry extends beyond natural beauty into its bustling marketplaces and famous filming locations. Start your day exploring the Green Market or Pazar Market where locals sell fresh produce, seafood, and handcrafted goods. The Green Market is especially popular with travelers, earning a 4.2/5 rating based on reviews. Then head to Diocletian’s Palace, where Daenerys’ throne room scenes were filmed for Game of Thrones. While Croatia has gained popularity through tourism, it offers a different experience than Bulgaria’s destinations which remain less crowded but equally charming.

Split weaves culture through vibrant markets and iconic film sets, where fantasy and reality merge within ancient stone walls.

For the full experience:

1. Visit markets early morning (before 10am) when produce is freshest and vendors are most energetic.
2. Join a specialized Game of Thrones walking tour that combines filming locations with historical context.
3. Explore the waterfront areas featured in the show, then return to markets for local wine and cheese.

These parallel experiences offer both authentic local culture and a glimpse into Split’s newfound fame in pop culture.

Island Hopping: Day Trips to Brač and Hvar

No visit to the Dalmatian coast would be complete without exploring the jewels of the Adriatic Sea—Brač and Hvar islands. From Split, you’ll find numerous catamaran tours departing early morning for these stunning destinations.

Brač offers the iconic Golden Horn beach with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, while Hvar entices with its historic town and vibrant atmosphere. Most tours are highly rated experiences with over 90% of travelers recommending them and ratings typically above 4.6/5 stars. Most day trips last about 10 hours and include stops at multiple islands, giving you time to swim in secluded bays and explore charming villages.

Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, and bring sun protection. Pack comfortable clothes suitable for boating and walking. Split has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both historical charm and natural beauty along the Croatian coastline.

Tours typically include lunch at local restaurants, allowing you to sample authentic Croatian cuisine while taking in breathtaking coastal views.

Discovering Historical Treasures: Klis Fortress and Trogir

Just a short drive from Split’s busy harbor, the imposing Klis Fortress remains as one of Croatia’s most remarkable historical monuments. This strategic stronghold has witnessed over 2,000 years of history, from its Illyrian origins to Croatian royalty, Ottoman occupation, and Venetian rule.

Explore the fortress’s three defensive walls and distinctive towers while enjoying panoramic views of Split and the Adriatic coastline. Game of Thrones fans might recognize it as the filming location for Meereen. Perched at 360 meters altitude, the fortress offers an unrivaled vantage point over the surrounding Dalmatian landscape. While Split captivates visitors, many travelers combine their Croatian experience with a trip to Zagreb’s museums for a comprehensive journey through the country’s rich history.

When visiting Klis Fortress, don’t miss:

1. Tower Oprah and Bembo Bastion – the fortress’s essential defensive structures
2. St. Vid’s Church – a former mosque displaying fascinating Islamic architectural elements
3. The hidden entrance – once used for covert movement during sieges

Natural Wonders and Final Days: Krka National Park

As your journey through Split winds down, Krka National Park offers a stunning finale to your Croatian adventure. Just an hour from the city, this 109-square-kilometer paradise boasts some of Croatia’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Spend your day exploring multiple waterfalls, including the famous Skradinski Buk with its turquoise waters. You’ll find well-maintained boardwalks leading you through lush greenery where over 900 plant species thrive. Unfortunately, swimming in the pools is no longer permitted, but you can enjoy swimming at Skradin Beach after your visit.

If you’re planning to extend your Croatian travels, consider that Dubrovnik offers snorkeling spots that rival the natural beauty of Krka’s waters.

For a different perspective, take a boat tour to Visovac Monastery or climb to Kljucica Fortress. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate spotting some of the 200 species that call this park home. Pack a picnic or visit one of the park’s cafes to complete your nature-filled day.

The Sum Up

Your seven days in Split have been a whirlwind of sun-soaked adventures. From Diocletian’s Palace to the crystal waters of Hvar, you’ve walked through living history. Don’t mistake this city for just another Mediterranean getaway—Split’s unique blend of ancient walls and vibrant streets can’t be replicated. As you pack your bags, the limestone glow of this Adriatic jewel will call you back again.