Split 1-day itinerary

Spend your morning exploring Diocletian's Palace — not a museum behind ropes but a living ancient Roman structure where 3,000 people still live and work within 1,700-year-old walls. Enter through the Bronze Gate from the Riva promenade and find yourself in the basement halls, then emerge into the Peristyle — the grand open courtyard that was the ceremonial heart of the palace. The Cathedral of Saint Domnius (originally Diocletian's mausoleum) and the Temple of Jupiter are steps apart. Narrow lanes lead through the palace interior past cafés, shops, and apartments built into Roman arches.

Walk west along the Riva promenade to Marjan Hill — Split's green peninsula covered in Mediterranean pine forest. Climb the stone steps to the Vidilica viewpoint for a panorama of the city, harbour, and islands. Continue through the forest to one of the rocky swimming coves on the south side — Kašjuni beach is the most popular, backed by pines with clear blue water and views of the open Adriatic.

Return to the Riva — Split's magnificent waterfront promenade lined with palm trees, café terraces, and the illuminated south wall of Diocletian's Palace. This is where the city comes alive in the evening passeggiata — locals and visitors strolling, drinking, and people-watching. For dinner, eat fresh Dalmatian seafood: grilled fish, black risotto (made with cuttlefish ink), or pašticada (slow-cooked beef in wine sauce) at one of the restaurants in the palace lanes.