At first glance, Split looks like a beautiful little tourist town, built around the wonderful Diocletian palace. But it's nothing of the sort - this is Croatia's second largest city, a vibrant hub connecting the mainland Dalmatian Coast to the hip islands just offshore and the place to uncover an authentic modern Dalmatian experience. Promenade along the gorgeous Adriatic seafront and see the historic sights. It features a wide range of accommodation and our pick of the best places to stay in Split vary from a budget hostel to stylish Old Town luxury.

What not to Miss

• Split's Old Town does look like a beautiful little tourist town, historic buildings, cafes, restaurants and boutiques all snuggled in within the city's Roman walls. The recently renovated seafront makes the picture, surrounded by dramatic coastal mountains, that much more enchanting when you're arriving or leaving via ferry.
• Within Split's ancient walls the old layout of squares in front of temples can still be seen today. You'll probably want to start by exploring the palace which was built for a retired Roman emperor and is actually more of a small suburb than a palace, complete with shops and housing. It's about 200metres square in size and the complex has about 220 buildings within its walls. Make sure you explore the basement halls as well - some are empty, but some house fascinating exhibitions.
• After that stroll through the cathedral of St. Domnius, visit the synagogue, the third oldest in Europe, and visit Varos, one of the oldest parts of town.
• For more outdoor sightseeing visit the seafront, Marjan hill and the beach at Ba?vice.
• Many of Split's visitors are just passing through on their way to the islands. There are several ferries a day to and from Hvar, Brac, Solta, Vis and Kor?ula.

Even if you're not using Spilt as a gateway it's worth taking a ferry trip - both because the views of Split as you come and go are some of the best you can get of this photogenic city, and because the islands themselves are definitely worth a visit as well.

Island Highlights

• Hvar has the fertile vineyards, gorgeous beaches and medieval towns;
• Brac is lush with pines and figs and is known for its clear waters;
• Korcula, the largest, is loved by cyclists;
• Solta is well developed and very welcoming;
• beautiful Pag has some of the region's best sandy beaches
• and Vis has more of those lovely, sandy bays and beaches.

Split has a reputation for being sunny all year round, with relatively mild winters. So if you're looking for a sunny, but cultural winter break, Split is a good option. If you come during the cooler months you'll also find it much easier to book a room in one of the best places to stay in Split.

The best places to stay in Split

For an excellent location

• The Hotel Marmont is close to both the seafront and the heart of the Old Town. It boasts contemporary chic rooms encased in a beautiful 15th century shell, plus outside terrace and busy cocktail bar.
• Hotel Vestibul Palace is situated in the heart of the Diocletian Palace. One of the best places if you're looking for a spot of luxury combined with contemporary interiors located bang in the centre of the old town.
• The Judita Palace Hotel is also ideally placed for those who want to be immersed in Split's historic zone. Expect exposed stone walls and creamy furnishings in the stylish rooms and suites.

Most Romantic

• The Antique Split Luxury Rooms is an elegant hotel in the heart of town with eight traditionally styled rooms with gorgeous city views.

Best B&Bs

• Minutes from both the beach and the main sights, the B&B SKYFALL is a three room B&B with large, minimalist rooms with views of either the sea or the city. There is a restaurant too.
• For around £60 per night you can stay in the Azur Palace, a chic, five room guesthouse just ten minutes from the beach. The building is traditional and the decor is quite modern, close to Split without being in the thick of things.

For families

• The Divota Apartment Hotel is great for families or groups. A stylish collection of rooms, apartments and a three bedroom house perfectly situated for exploring the city.

Great value

• Who says cheap accommodation has to be grotty? At the Design Hostel Goli + Bosi you'll find a range of incredibly inexpensive yet stylish rooms. Plus a fantastic pizzeria! Prices start from around £20 per person if you're in one of the dorms.
• The Grgur Ninski Rooms is a chic B&B with just four rooms WITHIN the Diocletian’s Palace. The decor contrasts old and new beautifully, and breakfast is served in a nearby cafe. Rooms start from around £55 per night.

For an Apartment or Villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Split?

• Split Airport is well connected to the UK and the rest of Europe - especially during the busy season. The airport is about 25kilometres outside the centre of town, closer to Trogir, and you can take a bus transfer, a local bus or get a taxi or hotel transfer. The taxi rides are known for being pricey, and take about half an hour. You can also arrive in Split on the Ferry from Ancona in Italy, by bus from Munich or Trieste, among other origins, and on the train, usually changing in Zagreb - though the trains have a reputation for taking a long time.
• If you want to hire a car - which we highly recommend if you’re staying in Split and you want to see more of the Dalmatian Coast and you don’t have your own sail boat - we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars
• Summer has the nicest weather, but this is peak time for visiting the Dalmatian Coast and between the cruise ships and those restricted by school holidays, it’s pretty busy. So the best times for most of us to visit are May-June or September-October when the days are long and sunny, the sea is still warm enough to swim in, the attractions and restaurants are all open - but you don’t have to queue for them.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on the Dalmatian Coast,
• Or the best hotels on the Dalmatian Islands?
• Consider staying on Hvar, just off the coast?
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Split