Split
The pretty city of Split has a rich history. Since ancient times, it has served in various guises as the economic and administrative centre of the beautiful Croatian Adriatic coastal region, today called Dalmatia.
The city is mainly sprawled on a peninsula on the eastern part of the island of Ciovo, although it has spread onto the mainland and encompasses the mouth of the River Cetina. From the 5th to the 2nd century BC, Greek colonists settled the mainland and adjacent islands.
Later came the Romans, in particular the Emperor Diocletian. Being of Dalmatian origin, he elected to build a huge palace at a spot then called Salona in the year 303 AD. A town grew around the palace and by the Middle Ages, the city of Split had begun to develop.
Diocletian’s Palace still stands in the very heart of the old quarter of Split, charming visitors with its cobbled streets and classical architecture. The greater region is characterised by lush vegetation and verdant greenery, particularly Marjan Hill on the west of the peninsula with its ancient indigenous forest.
The city makes an ideal base from which to explore the wondrous islands, beautiful locations and historic villages in central Dalmatia. Split is also world renowned among seafarers for the quality of its some 44 marinas, drawing yachts and catamarans from all over Europe and making it a great cruising destination in the Adriatic.
Climate for Split
Split has a Mediterranean climate, with short, hot, and mostly clear summers, and winters that are long, cold, wet, windy, and partly cloudy. The hot season runs from June to September, and the average daily high temperature above 82F (30C). The cool season lasts from November to March; the average daily high is below 59F (15C). For travellers who are interested in hot-weather activities, the best time to visit Split is from late June to late August.
Health Notes when travelling to Croatia
The medical facilities and care in Croatia are fairly good, with free emergency medical care available to EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Non-EU nationals are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance, and those who need particular medications should take the supply needed for the duration of their stay with them, plus a doctor’s letter to get the items through customs.
Safety Notes when travelling to Croatia
Most visits to Croatia are trouble free. Crime levels are low and violent crime is rare but, as petty theft occurs in busy tourist areas, it’s worth keeping a careful eye on valuables. Visitors should be vigilant when attending soccer matches and sports rallies, which sometimes lead to rowdy behaviour and violent incidents. Croatia is a popular party destination but partying carries safety, legal and financial risks. Nightclub fires, balcony collapses, and crowd crushes can occur; accidents resulting in serious injuries have taken place on party boats.
Customs in Croatia
It’s prohibited or considered inappropriate to walk around cities and some town centres shirtless or in swimming costumes. In some places, such as parts of Dubrovnik, there is signage indicating that people are required to cover up and that fines will be imposed on those who don’t comply. Even when there is no such signage, travellers are advised to be sensitive to local conventions and sensibilities.
Duty Free in Croatia
Non-EU travellers to Croatia can enter the country with the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine, 1 litre of spirits and up to 16 litres of beer; and other goods up to the value of HRK 3,200 if arriving by air or HRK 2,200 if arriving by other means of transport.
Doing Business in Croatia
Business in Croatia tends to be quite formal. Punctuality is key, dress should be smart and handshakes are the preferred form of greeting. Titles and surnames are usually used unless otherwise indicated and business cards are often exchanged at the beginning of a meeting. English and German are widely spoken but any attempt at speaking some Croatian will be appreciated. Women frequently hold high positions in business and are well respected.
Building a good working relationship is important and it’s useful to work with a reliable local partner. Although Croatia appears typically European in its dealings, business can take some time to conclude. Business hours are usually 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Croatia
The international access code for Croatia is +385 and WiFi availability is good.
Tipping in Croatia
A tip of 10 percent will be appreciated in tourist or upmarket restaurants, though it’s common to simply round up the bill if the service has been good in other establishments. Tour guides expect to be tipped.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Croatia must hold return or onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, as well as proof of sufficient funds (at least EUR 70 per day of stay, at least EUR 30 per day of stay if holding a confirmed invitation or a tourist voucher). It is highly recommended that travellers’ passport have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must present a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, and visas are not required for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay in Croatia, and no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, and a visa is not required for up to 90 days. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Croatia, and no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in Croatia, and no visa is required. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Croatia, and no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Croatia and a visa is required, unless travellers already hold a multiple-entry Schengen C visa. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
A popular tourist destination, Split provides travellers with a number of effective ways to get around town. Travellers in Split should find it easy to move seamlessly from one form of transport to the next, as the ferry, bus and train stations are all near one another.
The primary form of public transportation in Split is the city’s bus network, which is extensive and covers all areas of the city that might be of interest to travellers. Buses usually run from about 5am until around midnight, and have their destinations clearly laid out in route maps at most stops. Visitors will find most of their travel needs attended to by the bus stop near the ferry harbour, as it’s a meeting point of the most popular lines.
However, many travellers in Split may find it easiest and most enjoyable to simply get around on foot. The layout of the city is accommodating to pedestrians, with key attractions and shopping centres within walking distance and a scenic promenade along the water between the port and marina.
Visitors in Split also have the option of renting a car. This can be especially useful for those wanting to explore the surrounding area. Thankfully, Croatian roads are famously good. Although renting a car is ideal for exploring the wider region, prospective drivers should note that there isn’t much parking in the city centre and none in Split’s old town.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
