Wondering what to do on a wet and windy day in Split? Our local experts have pulled together their favourite indoor activities for when the strong bura wind blows and rain lashes the windows.
1. Discover Diocletian's Palace
Rainy days provide the perfect opportunity to explore Split's most iconic historical site, Diocletian's Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating journey through time. You can stay dry while wandering through its underground chambers, visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and enjoy the numerous art galleries and boutiques housed within the palace walls and in its cellars.
2. Diocletian Escape Room
Immerse yourself in Split's Roman past and get your adrenaline pumping by participating in a Diocletian-themed escape room challenge. You have just 75 minutes to solve a series of clues and save yourselves from being thrown to the lions!
A traditional Dalmatian "peka" is usually cooked on an open fire.
3. Cooking Class: Savor Dalmatian Delicacies
Why not use the rain as an opportunity to learn how to cook traditional Dalmatian dishes? Several local cooking schools offer classes, where you can master the art of preparing dishes like peka, pasticada, and fresh seafood.
Peka: This traditional Croatian dish is a true delicacy. It typically consists of meat (often veal or chicken) and vegetables slow-cooked under a bell-like lid. The ingredients are seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices and then baked to perfection. The result is a mouthwatering, tender meal with rich, savory flavors.
Pasticada: Pasticada is a slow-cooked beef dish, marinated in red wine and vinegar, and simmered to perfection. It's often served with homemade gnocchi and a sweet sauce made from prunes and figs, creating a delightful blend of sweet and savory.
Fresh Seafood: Split's coastal location means you'll have access to some of the freshest seafood in Croatia. Learn how to prepare grilled fish, seafood risotto, or a flavorful seafood stew, all while embracing the culinary traditions of Dalmatia.
If you're more into eating than cooking, then check out some of our favourite local Split restaurants below:
4. Uncover Local History at the Split City Museum
The Split City Museum offers a captivating journey through the city's history. It's an excellent place to learn about Split's evolution from Roman times to the present day.
Enjoy a cosy wine tasting at Putalj Winery close to Split.
5. Learn About Wine at the Putalj Winery
Croatia is famous for its wines, and a rainy day provides an ideal opportunity to explore the world of Croatian viticulture. The Putalj Winery, located just outside of Split, offers wine tastings and tours, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region.
6. Visit Froggyland
Step into the quirky and enchanting world of Froggyland, a truly unique attraction in Split that is perfect for a rainy day adventure. This museum is home to over 500 preserved frogs, each meticulously arranged in various scenes that depict human activities. The frogs are dressed in charming little outfits and are seen partaking in activities like playing musical instruments, painting, and even enjoying a froggy wedding. The creator of this remarkable exhibit, a taxidermist named Ferenc Mere, spent years perfecting his art.
Spend an hour or two strolling around the striking Ivan Meštrović Gallery.
7. Make it a Museum Marathon
Split boasts a rich cultural heritage, and its museums are perfect for a rainy day adventure. Why not hop between the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Ivan Meštrović Gallery, and the Ethnographic Museum, which all offer a captivating glimpse into the region's history and art.
8. Explore the Local Library
The Marko Marulic City Library in Split is a haven for bookworms and history buffs. The library houses a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and books, including quite a few in English, making it a delightful place to explore on a gloomy day.
9. Go Shopping
During winter and spring many locals seek refuge from the rain in Split's modern shopping centers. Malls like Mall of Split and Joker offer a wide variety of shops and entertainment options, including cinemas and restaurants. There's even a free bus that takes you directly from Split's Old Town to the Mall of Split every 1-2 hours depending on the time of year.
