01
Diocletian's Palace
Less a ruin, more a living piece of history. People still live, eat, and gather within its ancient walls. Start at the Peristyle, then wander the maze of lanes around it — getting a little lost is part of the fun.
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Split
Two hours from Zadar
A Roman emperor built himself a retirement palace here in the fourth century, and the city simply never stopped living inside it. Bars, flats and laundry lines are still wedged between the original walls.
02
Grgur Ninski Statue
Mestrovic's enormous bronze bishop, just outside the Golden Gate. Rubbing his big toe is meant to bring luck, and enough people have done it that the toe is polished gold.
03
Cathedral of St. Domnius
Diocletian's own mausoleum, turned into a cathedral by the people he persecuted. Climb the bell tower if you have the legs for it; the view over the red roofs pays you back.
04
Marjan Hill
The pine covered hill above the city. Steps up from the old town, and at the top the view down over the harbour that ends up on everyone's camera roll.
05
Klis Fortress
A centuries-old fortress perched in the mountains above Split, with sweeping views all the way to the Adriatic. Romans, Ottomans, and Venetians all fought over it — and Game of Thrones eventually filmed here too.
More ideas nearby
- HvarIsland beaches, lavender fields and the liveliest nights on the coast.About 1 hour by fast boat
- Brač & Zlatni RatThe famous beach whose tip moves with the wind and the tides.About 1 hour by boat
- TrogirA tiny old town on its own island, all stone lanes.About 30 minutes
- Šibenik & KrkaA UNESCO-listed cathedral, then the waterfalls nearby.About 1 hour
