The old roman town of Split has become today one of the most important tourists centers in Croatia thanks, in part, to the wonderful ruins of Diocletian’s Palace. The old town, with its narrow and twisty streets, is bordered by the azure seas of the Adriatic where numerous yachts sit lazily in the local marinas. It’s here you’ll find most of the yacht charters Croatia enthusiasts.
![Split - Highlights of the City Centre]()
General Info Considered by many the start off point for exploring the Dalmatian Coast, Split is also one of the oldest, the biggest and most prestigious settlements of this part of the Adriatic, with a long history that can be seen even today in the city’s center, which popular for sailors during summer.
Founded by the roman emperor Diocletian who chose to retire and build his famous palace here, Split is to this day considered one of the best and most desirable locations along the eastern Adriatic coast, thanks to its 15 km of coast, sunny weather and vivid cultural and economic life, which is why so many boating people choose to come here.
![Aerial View of Split Habor]( "Aerial View of Split Habor")
Travel & Arrival After the Zagreb Airport, Split airport is the most important in Croatia, and the main air terminal to service the Dalmatian coast. Located 25 km from the city itself, and just 3 km from the city of Trogir, the airport sees an exodus of tourists in the summer months from all corners of Europe. Buses link the airport to the city, but make sure to catch an early one as shuttle buses leave about 90 minutes in advance.
The train isn’t very popular around these parts, but there are links from Zagreb and Perkovič, which can prove to be longer but more picturesque than the bus ride. These run from Zagreb, Dubovnik, Sibenik and Rijeka.
The port in Split is visited by lots of ferries every day, most carrying italian charter crews from Ancona and Pescara in Italy. There is also a ferry running twice a week starting from Dubrovnik and ending up in Rijeka, with a couple of island stops along the way. Locations such as Brac, Hvar or Vis are serviced by hydrofoil runs, with Split acting as the main base for Central Dalmatia.
![Scenic foto of boats at the promenade of Split]( "Scenic foto of boats at the promenade of Split")
Avant & Apres Sail The first place you’ll just have to see in Split are the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, the ones that made this city into what it is today, with its 4 monumental gates and what is probably one of the best preserved Roman palaces in general. After that, your charter crew can head to any of these places: St. Duje’s cathedral, Peristil Square, Jupiter’s Temple, the two Egyptian sphinxes, which were brought from Egypt by Diocletian, the Riva (promenade), the Archeological Museum and the Galerija Mestovič.
The only thing you’re willing to enjoy more than the city itself is the hoard of souvenirs you can buy here. First off, there’s the very artistic Podrum underground shopping center where you can pick up anything from paintings to craftwork, then there’s the Enoteka Terra which sells a wide assortment of local wines and spirits. Of course, there are also the designer boutiques with high fashion along the Marmontova streets. At the opposite end there’s the colorful open-air market at Pazar with lots of fresh produce.
When coming to Split, you'd better have a taste for fish and shellfish, since the Dalmatian cuisine relies heavily on products of the sea. The local dish is salted anchovies in olive oil and also roasted lamb under an open fire on a baker’s lid. The connoisseurs can add one of the local wines from the Primosten region.
If during the day, the beach and promenade is the place to be for the sun and waves, during the night, this is where sailors congregate for a bit of fun. Bars and clubs with music make up most of the venues open after dark. Those within the palace boundaries have to close at 1 in the morning.
Events & Actions Started out in 1854, Split’s Summer Festival is a big celebration that literally takes over the city center every July to august with a series of events, including concerts, exhibitions, dance events and street theater, basically something for everybody visiting during these days.
As far as activities go, it’s safe to declare Split the yacht charter capital of the Croatian Adriatic. Sailing or powerboat rental is right at home here, with lots of modern marinas lining the city shores and yachts parading all along the bay, glittering in the sun.