Vibrant, authentic and brimming in natural beauty, Split is a must-visit when in Croatia. The pretty shingle beaches are a family favourite, the restaurant scene excels in traditional Dalmatian dishes and the architecture in the ancient old town is downright stunning.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday with the little ones, a larger group getaway with some fun-loving pals or a romantic trip for two, Split holidays are a sure winner. From family fun to buzzing nightlife, there’s something for everyone. And there’s no better place to enjoy this gorgeous port city than your own luxury villa in Split.
We have an incredible collection of Split villas to choose from, including villas near the beach, villas within walking distance to the town and villas with pools!
Discover the Oliver’s Travels way, where style and character define every handpicked villa in Split. Our destination experts curate unique homes in beautiful locations that are perfect for families and guaranteed to ‘wow’.
Once you book a holiday, the service doesn’t stop there. Our Concierge Service means you’ll be in good hands to arrange in-house chefs, fridge stocking, housekeeping, and so much more, to make your stay truly extraordinary.
The alluring beauty of Split is showcased through every aspect of the city – from the pretty, cobbled streets and the atmospheric old town to the sparkling beaches and lively restaurants dotted along the pavements. This attractive port city draws in visitors of all ages – those looking for excitement and nightlife can enjoy the buzzing beach bars and clubs while those in search of a serene and cultural trip can indulge in wining, dining and exploring the Old Town.
No matter what type of holiday you’re planning, our Split villas make the ideal base. From villas with pools, villas near the beach and within walking distance to the village, you’ll have everything at your fingertips!
Although Split may be small in size, it more than makes up for it with its plethroa of intriguing activities on offer. Its rich history is visible in the ancient architecture which still stands today. The Old Town is where you’ll find most of the historic attractions, including the Diocletian’s Palace. Built in 305 AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, this palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was even used as a filming location in Game of Thrones (Daenerys kept her dragons in the cellar!).
If incredible views are more your thing, consider a scenic stroll up Marjan Hill or stay in the Old Town and climb the bell tower of Domnius Cathedral, located within Diocletian’s Palace – it’s the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world!
If you’re on the hunt for day trips, you won’t be disappointed. Head an hour away to the Krka National Park for out of this world waterfalls, charter a boat (or a yacht if you’re feeling fancy) and explore the crystal clear waters or take a 35-minute bus ride to the pretty island town of Trogir.
Krka National Park
Like many of its Dalmatian neighbours, the beaches in Split have visitors flocking to the pretty shingles and warm waters. There are plenty of family-friendly options for paddling with little ones or, for those looking for something more lively, other stretches offer bars, nightlife and restaurants so you can make a day of your beach trip.
Within walking distance from the city centre, Jezinac Beach offers refreshing waters, palm trees and pebbles with the Mestrovic Kastilac castle in the background. A cafe, parking and changing rooms make beach days an absolute breeze.
For families, we’d recommend Beach Znjan due its playground, bouncy castle, trampoline and various other water activities that kids will love. There are plenty of bars and restaurants for a post-swim bite to eat.
Our hidden gem is Beach Bene, tucked away in the Marjan Forest Park and surrounded by dense pine trees. It’s only reachable by foot but the shady trees and local restaurant make it the perfect getaway from the busier beaches.
The Croatian diet is a delightful Mediterranean mixture of fish, vegetables and plenty of olive oil. It’s no wonder then that Split is famous for its seafood, fresh from the surrounding waters. If you enter any restaurants in Split, you’re sure to find grilled fish that’s been delivered directly by the fisherman that day. Served with seasoning and olive oil, it’s totally fresh and utterly delicious.
Meat is also a popular choice in Split, including the local dish pašticada – marinated beef stuffed with bacon and carrots. It’s what we’d call the Croatian answer to a roast dinner.
And for afters? You have to try a rožata – a custard dessert, similar to creme caramel, with a hint of lemon. Yum!
One of the city’s most popular habits is its coffee culture. Popping to a cafe for a cup of coffee is something locals do everyday. Not into coffee? Try some famous Croatian wines or you’ll find Croatian beers on offer too.
Family-friendly restaurants offering highchairs and kids’ menus, babies will be well catered for on a Split villa holiday.
With so many historic attractions and rich cultural heritage to discover, kids are sure to stay entertained. Regular ice cream stops and beach days are also highly recommended!
Yacht trips, boat tours and island hopping makes Split a great spot for even the grumpiest teens. The pirate ship tours are sure to please…
Avoid the crowds: If you have the option to visit outside of July and August, a trip to Split in June or September will reward you with warm weather and fewer tourists.
Ask locals: There’s no better way to discover a destination than asking those who know it best – the locals. You’ll be able to find the lesser-known restaurants and beaches that aren’t filled with tourists!
Island hop: There are so many beautiful islands in Croatia it would feel wrong to visit just one! Take a day tour around some of the nearby islands and soak up the Dalmatian beauty.
Scout out the local bars and nightlife on a group getaway or enjoy hidden restaurants and secret coves for a quieter type of holiday. It’s the best of both worlds!
Traffic and parking can be a real pain due to the small size of Split. If you’ve hired a car, check for parking spaces before arriving and be aware driving in may take a while due to jams!
If you plan on using the highway, bear in mind you will need to pay a toll. Don’t lose the toll ticket though, as they’ll charge you double at the next toll gate!
Split is very small and can easily be explored by foot. It’s by far the best way to get around – wander quaint, cobbled streets and gawp at the historic architecture.
You won’t need a car in Split itself but you may want to rent one for day trips – however, public transport is regular and easy to use.
As a port town, there are plenty of ferries and boats to take you to nearby islands.
Buses run regularly to and from different areas, including Trogir and Omis. They’re cheap and easy to use and can take you directly to Split airport.
Walking is by far the best way to explore this idyllic town. Pack some trainers as the cobbled streets can get a bit annoying in flip flops!
Split is located along the Dalmatian Coast and is best known for its ancient history, beautiful architecture and incredible cuisine.
Split has an incredible nightlife especially in the summer season when it becomes filled with tourists who party alongside the locals on the promenade. Bacvice Beach is another popular location, plus various other clubs and bars.
There are lots of daily flights to Split airport, and from there, many tourists choose to get a ferry to connect them to the Dalmatian Islands.
Split has many beaches in just about every neighborhood, and you can move from one to the other very easily.
