Our local residents share their favourite things to do in Split, Croatia, from playing picigin on the beach to catching a traditional klapa singing session.
Set on the sparkling Adriatic with a sunny Mediterranean climate, the Croatian city of Split is known for its rich history, and stunning seascapes. While many visitors flock to its famous landmarks like the ancient Roman Diocletian's Palace, Split offers a unique and vibrant local experience that goes beyond the tourist hotspots. In this article, our experts share their top 20 activities to immerse yourself in Dalmatian culture and truly experience Split like a local.
1. Stroll the Riva Promenade
Begin your local adventure with a leisurely walk along the Riva Promenade. This bustling waterfront area is a favorite among locals for sipping coffee, people-watching, and enjoying the sea breeze. Join the locals as they gather here to chat and soak in the stunning views. Just don't forget to don your best oversized sunglasses - glamorous eyewear is practically a uniform here in Split.
2. Visit the Green Market
Get a taste of local life by visiting the Green Market (known locally as Pazar), where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade products. Engage with the friendly sellers, and don't forget to sample some local delicacies like honey, cured meats, and soparnik (a savoury pie filled with Swiss chard).
3. Savor Local Dishes at Konobas
For an authentic taste of Dalmatian cuisine, dine at a Konoba, a traditional Croatian tavern. Order dishes like peka (slow-cooked lamb or octopus), pasticada (slow-cooked beef served with gnocchi), or freshly caught seafood.
4. Try a Local Wine Tasting
Croatia boasts a long history of winemaking, so be sure to try some local wines. Visit a wine bar in Split like MoNIKa's to savor Plavac Mali or Posip while chatting with locals about their favorite varieties.
Stunning views from the top of Marjan Hill in Split make it worth the climb.
5. Explore Marjan Hill
Hike or bike up Marjan Hill, a favorite recreational spot among the locals. Enjoy panoramic views of Split, relax under the pine trees, and explore the hidden chapels and caves.
6. Attend a Local Festival
Participate in a local festival to immerse yourself in Croatian culture. Events like the Split Film Festival in October or Split Summer Festival provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate art and traditions.
Bacvice Beach is the spiritual home of Picigin, a unique traditional Croatian sport played in the shallows.
7. Play Picigin at Bacvice Beach
Join the locals at Bacvice Beach, the city's most famous sandy spot. Try your hand at Picigin, a traditional beach game, or simply sunbathe and swim.
8. Go Rock Climbing
The limestone cliffs in Marjan Park in Split are ideal for rock climbing. You can find climbing tours and guides to help you explore the stunning coastal cliffs. Beginners and experienced climbers can find suitable routes, and it's a great opportunity to hang out with local climbers.
9. Embrace "Pomalo" culture
Dalmatians are known for their laidback vibe, so it's no surprise they have a word that perfectly describes this mindset - "pomalo". Take your time and enjoy a leisurely coffee break while watching the world go by. It is typical for locals to linger over coffee with friends or family for a couple of hours.
10. Take a Dip at Bene Beach
Visit Bene Beach on Marjan, a favorite among locals, for a quieter and more peaceful beach experience. It's the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking. You can either walk there from the city centre (around 30-45 minutes one way), hire a bike, or take the number 12 bus.
Varos is known for its small streets and ancient buildings.
11. Explore the Varos District
The Varos district is one of the most charming, authentic neighborhoods in Split. Walk its narrow streets, chat with the friendly locals and street cats, and explore the quaint houses.
12. Enjoy Sunset at Vidilica
For the most spectacular sunset view of Split, head to Vidilica. This lookout point offers breathtaking vistas of the city, the sea, and the nearby islands.
13. Participate in a Traditional Klapa Singing Session
Klapa music is a traditional a cappella style native to Dalmatia. Attend a live performance or even participate in a singing session to feel the true essence of Croatian music.
14. Visit a Local Art Gallery
Immerse yourself in local art at the Mestrovic Gallery. Ivan Meštrović was a renowned Croatian sculptor, and his gallery showcases a vast collection of his sculptures and artworks. The gallery is located in a historic villa on the luscious Marjan Hill which adds to the overall experience. It's a tranquil place to appreciate art away from the crowds.
15. Participate in a Traditional Olive Harvest
Olive oil production is a significant part of Dalmatian culture. During the olive harvest season, join local farmers and participate in the age-old tradition of hand-picking olives. It's a hands-on experience that connects you with the region's culinary heritage.
16. Go Fishing with Locals
Engage in the timeless tradition of fishing with the locals. You can join a fishing tour to learn the tricks of the trade and appreciate the Adriatic's bounty or just watch locals fishing off the rocks at Zenta or ACI marinas.
17. Attend a Football Match
Croatians are passionate about football. Experience their enthusiasm by attending a local match at the Poljud Stadium, home to Hajduk Split.
18. Join a Local Cooking Class
Learn to cook traditional Dalmatian dishes like pasticada (slow-cooked beef served with gnocchi) at a local cooking class. Bond with your fellow foodies and take home the skills to recreate local flavors.
19. Volunteer for a Local Cause
Contribute to the community by volunteering for a local cause, such as the Bestie dog shelter near Split or beach clean-ups. This is a great way to give back to the city and meet locals.
20. Catch a Croatian Tamburitza Performance: The tamburitza is a traditional Croatian musical instrument, and local tamburitza orchestras play an important role in preserving the country's musical heritage. Attend a live performance of a tamburitza orchestra to appreciate the unique sounds and melodies of Croatia. These performances often take place in cultural centers, town squares, or local festivals.