Following the lifting of Covid restrictions, the number of tourists that will visit Split in 2022 is expected to ramp up quite sharply. The numbers for 2022, however, may not quite reach the record of 2019 when there were almost a million tourist arrivals in Split.

On the economic side, the average tourist will spend between $500 and $4,000 per week when they visit Split. This is a significant source of income for the city. The seaport of Split, being the largest passenger terminal in Croatia, and one of the largest on the Adriatic coast, provides a solid springboard for tourism in Croatia.

Split enjoys a very mild climate which is conducive to an outdoor lifestyle and contributes to the healthy tourism industry. Daily highs in summer average around 30o C and the winter lows seldom fall below 6o C. The recorded extremes are not called extremes for nothing. The highest temperature recorded since the end of the Second World War is 38.6o C in July and the mercury has dropped to -9o C on at least one occasion in January.

This is often mistaken as Split’s raison d’être. That said, although Diocletian’s Palace in Split was completed almost half a millennium after the city was founded, it remains, to this day, an important feature of the city’s heritage and history. It was completed in the year 305 after a construction period of 10 years and was the retirement home of the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

Although referred to as a palace, it’s really a small self-contained city. Apart from Diocletian’s residence, the fully walled complex also accommodated a number of soldiers and service personnel. The cathedral located within the palace walls is one of the oldest in the world that is still in regular use.

Today, the palace makes up about half of the old city of Split and is home to around 3,000 people. Many of these inhabitants work in the bars, restaurants and other attractions that draw thousands of tourists every day.

A few steps outside the western wall of Diocletian’s palace sits the Platea Sacti Laurentii (St. Lawrence’s Plaza), also known as the Pjaca or Narodni Trg. In layman’s English, we refer to it as People’s Square. In ancient times, this was where it all happened, as they say. People’s Square Split is believed to date back to the 13th century and was used for trading, ceremonies, public hearings and various other forms of civil procedures and entertainment.

In modern-day Split, it still all happens here. In the summer, the restaurants and bars are teeming with people enjoying the sunshine, music and jovial atmosphere. Over the Christmas season the square is beautifully decorated with glittering lights and a giant Christmas tree. Thanks to the rather mild winters, patrons frequent the eateries and listen to the mellow sounds of the klapa singers. There really isn’t much more that we need from life.

This may not be the biggest beach you will ever see. But, what it lacks in size, it makes up handsomely in popularity and charm. Bačvice Beach Split is one of the few sandy beaches on the Croatian coast. It’s just a short walk away from the iconic Diocletian’s Palace.

A word of warning though – it can get very crowded in peak season. This is largely thanks to the shallow and tranquil water that make it a bathing haven. The crystal-clear turquoise water is almost reminiscent of a tropical island.

The beach is a popular venue for the game of Picigin. The game was invented on this beach in 1908 and is played by a group of people who try to keep a small ball in the air for as long as possible. For more energetic types, this is a fast and furious, and very exciting way to pass the time.

Most coastal cities have a fishermen’s port. A place for hardworking people to moor their boats and to which they return after a day on the seas. Very often that days starts and ends while the rest of us sleep. More often than not, these fishermen have sold the day’s catch before breakfast.

Matejuška is Split’s fishing harbor. It’s a small boat harbor which in days gone by was the center of the fishing industry. Today, the area still has a distinct fishing theme as you can see the fishing nets hung out to dry and the air is filled with that distinct smell of the sea. And, just to be sure that there is no doubt, the cove is defined by a massive fishing hook monument.

Matejuška Split was also the home of one of Croatia’s most successful rowing teams. The club, established in 1914, has won many Olympic and World Championship medals. The club has, however, subsequently relocated.

If you mention film festivals, most people would automatically think of Cannes. Yes, that festival has been a much-acclaimed annual event since 1939, although there was a break from 1940 until 1946 due to World War II. Croatia, though, can hold its own in this department. The Split Film Festival takes place over a period of 10 days in June every year.

It combines the best productions from Europe and the rest of the world with the charm of open-air cinemas on Bačvice Beach or the Cinematheque Zlatna Vrata located within the historic Diocletian’s Palace.

In stark contrast to Cannes, this is a festival for the people. It is sometimes called the »no red carpet« festival. The atmosphere is relaxed and very popular. While performances are often sold out, makeshift seating onbeach towels and temporary portable benches pack a few more spectators in.

Getting from Split to Plitviče Lakes is a trip of at least two and a half hours. It’s worth every minute of the journey. This is a wonderland of lakes, rivers, waterfalls and forests. Although you could do this a s a day trip, you would really not be doing the place any justice. Stay at least one night. Experience the serene natural beauty and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of the cascading waterfalls.

This is not something to be rushed. You have more than enough options to get there and back and to travel around the park are. Relax and take your time. There’s a shuttle bus service that will carry you between the upper and lower lakes or you can choose a cruise on an electric boat. Or, you could take a hike on one of the many designated trails that will keep you going for anything from two to about eight hours.

What is it about islands that captivate us so much? Think about it; island holidays are always portrayed or described as idyllic or romantic. Islands conjure up fantasies of treasures and forgotten kingdoms. It’s the type of place we would all like to escape to when real life gets a bit too much.

If this is ringing a bell, you may just need to get away to one of the many beautiful islands around Split. Sounds a bit daunting? It really isn’t. Split has the largest passenger port in Croatia; in fact, one of the busiest on the Adriatic Coast. Getting to any of the islands is very easy. Choose between ferries, speedboats or fully equipped houses on the water.

Your island tour Split can be an adventure from the minute you step on board. If you have the opportunity to visit Split, take some time out to tour the islands. It’s a soul-cleansing experience. And these islands will leave you with some of the best memories you can ever hope for.

You’d be easily forgiven for thinking of Diocletian’s Palace whenever someone mentions Split in Croatia. It is perhaps one of the most significant pieces of Split’s history. Diocletian was the first Roman emperor to abdicate, doing so in the year 305 CE. He had the palace built as a retirement home. Along with his abode, the palace complex was actually a fully-fledged town.

It was walled on all sides and house a military garrison, cathedral, several squares and places for social and commercial activities. The cathedral is still in use today as are parts of the original palace. Like all things, age has ravaged the palace. Much of it has, however survived the test of time or been restored to some extent.

Whichever way you choose to look at it, Split is rich in history. The Split Roman Ruins represent an important era in the formation and development of the city. As a legacy, this is one of the few sites in the world where buildings older than two millennia are still used and as safe as when they were built.

Split is just one of the things to see when it comes to your summer holiday in Pikolo Apartments complex, contact us today, you’ll be glad you did.