If you've gone through my blog then you may have noticed a theme. The I like Croatia theme. At this point I'm considering dedicating my entire blog to Croatia, but hey, who's complaining? This beautiful country has so much to offer and I can't get enough of it!

Split and Hvar Island are no exceptions.

Some believe that Split is the capital of Croatia, but it isn't, that crown belongs to Zagreb. Split is actually the second largest city in Croatia, with loads to offer.

Other than Zagreb and some gorgeous national parks, a lot of Croatia's most notable cities and attractions are along the coast. Again, if you've been through my blog you can see why it's so attractive. The Croatian Riviera, Dubrovnik, Zadar... there are too many to name, and so many hidden gems, with even more luxurious secret coves to hide away in.

a cove leading to open sea where some yachts are parked in the distance, green and turquoise beautiful colours leading to the small pebbly shore, the surroundings are rocky hills with plenty of trees and greenery making this feel like a hidden gem. thegymsytraveller

One of many hidden coves in Croatia

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Best things to do in Split, Croatia

The Best Islands near Split: From Hvar to Brac and More!

Is Dubrovnik or Split Better?

Beach Gym in Split, Croatia

Final Thoughts on Split and Hvar Island

Best things to do in Split

The variety of this place is sure to leave you amazed. And with so much to do and see, it's hard to know where to start. But fear not, here are some of the best things to do in Split, or at least some of the things I enjoyed:

Split Old Town:

First up is Split Old Town, or as I like to call it, Diocletian's Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see attraction in Split. Built by the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, the palace is now a labyrinth of narrow streets, charming cafes, and boutique shops. Take a stroll around the palace walls and marvel at the impressive architecture. Don't forget to check out the underground Palace Basement, not only is it a great historical site but the 'basement' will keep you cool from the outside temperatures, it'll likely be scorching if you go in the summer.

Marjan Hill:

Next on the list is Marjan Hill, a natural oasis in the heart of Split that offers breathtaking views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. This place is perfect for hiking, jogging, and cycling, or even just lazing around in the sun. You can also find secluded beaches and hidden coves along the coastline. And don't forget to snap some stunning photos from the top of the hill.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this walk to the top of the hill. If I was to do it again I would grab a bike or e-bike and enjoy the ride, especially going down.

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Visiting Omis from Split

A day trip to Omis is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the Croatian coast. This charming coastal town boasts beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and historical landmarks such as the Mirabella Fortress. There are regular tours from Split to Omis or book a return bus ticket in advance and avoid the hassle.

Want to know more about Omis? Check out my white water rafting adventure.

Best Areas to Stay in Split

While the main city centre is a popular option for visitors and where most people are likely to stay, the neighbourhood of Mornarska, Stobrec is a quieter area that offers stunning coastal views. This suited me perfectly. I stayed in a beautiful apartment off the coast and loved the peacefulness of the area. If you're into all that.

The Best Islands near Split: From Hvar to Brac and More!

One of the most amazing ways to experience the Croatian coast is to take a boat trip to the stunning islands near Split. If you're looking for the best islands to visit, I highly recommend adding Hvar and Vrboska to your itinerary. Hvar is a vibrant island that's perfect for those who enjoy lively nightlife and beautiful beaches, while Vrboska is a more peaceful city that boasts a charming harbor and quaint streets.

Of course, there are many other islands accessible from Split, such as Brac, Solta, and Vis, each with its own unique attractions and charms. With so much to see and explore, taking a boat trip to the islands near Split is an adventure you won't want to miss! Find boat trips (get from Hvar to Split), tours to Blue Cave, and much more at Viator.com.

Is Dubrovnik or Split better?

Ah, the age-old question! The answer really depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, Split might be a better fit for you. On the other hand, if you are a history buff and want to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Croatia, Dubrovnik might be more up your alley.

Be warned, both are quite expensive, especially for Croatia, I found Dubrovnik to be slightly more. But now that Croatia is in the EU it will likely be even more costly. If you can get out there I think it's still worth at least a few days in each city. Especially if you take some of my advise and stay a little further out from the major hotspots, in places where you may need to take a bus ride into the city. That being said, I am sure if you book early enough you can find great deals anywhere. I really wanted to give a straight answer to this question but I do think they are on par with each other for different reasons. Decisions decisions, I'll leave that with you.

Do you need more time in Split or Dubrovnik?

As mentioned before I would urge you visit both as Split and Dubrovnik are beautiful destinations with their unique charm and character. However, if you are short on time, it's recommended to spend more time in Split. While Dubrovnik is known for its stunning old town and historic landmarks, Split offers a more diverse range of activities and attractions, including beautiful beaches and natural parks. Split is also a closer hub to the more northern cities, like Zadar or Pula and has great links to many of the popular islands.

Beach Gym in Split, Croatia

There are plenty of great gyms to choose from in Split. None quite like the gym I found in Stobrec, I assure you. If I wanted to manifest a gym, it would have been along the lines of this one. The view isn’t just of the beach, the gym IS ON THE BEACH FRONT! That's right. After a pump with the wooden weights you can jump straight into the beach for a much needed refreshing dip. Take a look for yourself.

wooden weights stacked on a shelf in an outside gym, located in stobrec, split croatia — Wooden weights at the outside gym in Stobrec, Croatia

And here’s the pool!

a pebbly beach overlooking calm water with some small boats tied up to the buoys, stobrec, split croatia - thegymstraveller — The gyms natural swimming pool... and a toe

If you're in the area then check out the gym. Here is a map courtesy of Google.

Final Thoughts on Split and Hvar Island

Split and the surrounding islands offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. From the vibrant night-life of Hvar to the charming harbour of Vrboska, there is something for everyone in this stunning region of Croatia. As I've mentioned, I love Croatia and I look forward to going back one day. Yes, the fact that it is part of the EU now will probably mean prices have gone up but I'd still recommend a visit especially if you've never been.

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The Gymsy Traveller

Plan Your Dream Getaway to Split and Hvar on the Croatian Coast