Split-Dalmatia County Travel Guide 2026: Top Cities, Places to Visit & Itineraries | Trip.com

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Split 1-Day Trip: Ancient Stones by the Seafront

1 Days
  1. DAY01Split RivaDiocletian's PalaceOld Split
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Dubrovnik 1-Day Trip: Stone Walls Above the Adriatic

1 Days
  1. DAY01The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin MarySponza PalaceDubrovnik City WallsFort Lovrijenac
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Dubrovnik 4-Day Trip: Medieval stone lanes and Adriatic vistas

4 Days
  1. DAY01Dubrovnik City WallsFranciscan libraryDominican MonasteryDubrovnik Cable Car
  2. DAY02Fort LovrijenacDubrovnik WalksPile GateOnofrio's Large FountainUpper Corner Tower Foundry Museum
  3. DAY03The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin MaryRector's PalaceBanje Beach
  4. DAY04Orlando's ColumnIsland of LokrumClock Tower of DubrovnikSponza Palace
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Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic 🇭🇷 — traveler post in Split-Dalmatia County

Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic 🇭🇷

Dubrovnik sits at the southern tip of Croatia, close to the borders with Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Because of its location, getting here can take a little more time if you’re coming from other popular Croatian cities, except perhaps Split. There is no direct train to Dubrovnik, so the fastest way is usually to fly into Dubrovnik Airport. You can also travel by car or bus from Split, or make the journey part of the experience and arrive by cruise ship. ⛵ 💰 Basic Costs · Hotel: around €75/person · Food: around €80 · Local transport: around €15 · Attractions: around €100 📍Places You Shouldn’t Miss: Walk through Pile Gate and it almost feels like stepping into an old movie. The stone streets have been polished smooth by centuries of footsteps, orange rooftops stand out against the turquoise Adriatic Sea, and church bells echo through the narrow alleys. It’s easy to understand why Dubrovnik was chosen as one of the filming locations for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. 📍Here are a few experiences I really enjoyed: 🏰 Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls The full route is around 2 km. On one side, you have the Adriatic Sea, and on the other, you can look down over the entire Old Town. My tip: go as soon as the walls open in the morning. It’s cooler, quieter, and you’ll avoid some of the crowds. 🍹 Buža Bar This bar is literally outside the city walls. You find a small opening in the wall, walk through, and suddenly you’re sitting on the rocks above the sea. A drink, an open sea view, and nowhere else you really need to be pretty hard to complain about that. 😄 ⛵ Lokrum Island A short boat ride takes you to Lokrum Island. It’s a nice place to swim, escape the crowds for a while, and you may even meet some peacocks casually walking around as if they own the island. 🚠 Cable Car to Mount Srđ This is one thing I didn’t manage to do. A lot of friends told me the sunset view from Mount Srđ is amazing, so it’s definitely on my list for next time. If you’ve already been, tell me if I missed out. 📎A Few Small Tips: · Dubrovnik can get extremely crowded in summer, especially when cruise ships arrive. If your dates are flexible, May to June or September to October can be a better choice. The weather is still pleasant, the sea is warm, and the Old Town feels much easier to enjoy. · Prices inside the Old Town can be quite high, so eating in areas outside the historic center can be much easier on your wallet. #travel #travel2026 #croatia #thingstodo #dubrovnik

Croatia | When I finally arrived in King's Landing — traveler post in Split-Dalmatia County

Croatia | When I finally arrived in King's Landing

This is the Pearl of the Adriatic, the thousand-year-old city of Dalmatia, the Athens of the Slavs, a World Heritage site of Croatia, and King's Landing—Dubrovnik. · Having visited many ancient European cities, Dubrovnik is definitely at the very top of the "hottest" tier. The complete, walkable city walls, the expanse of orange rooftops, the main street with marble tiles polished smooth as a mirror by centuries of time, and the stunning landscape nestled between the mountains and the sea... Dubrovnik possesses a majestic beauty, so it's no wonder that "Game of Thrones" chose it as the filming location for King's Landing. · 📸 Classic photo spots: P1-2: Bosanka viewpoint P4-8: City walls; P5 is the highest point of the old town, the Minčeta Tower in the northwest corner; P6 is the court below the tower; P7 is the view overlooking Stradun P9: Lovrijenac Fortress ·

Croatia was tough but worth it|Not recommended to go in August or September because it’s really… — traveler post in Split-Dalmatia County

Croatia was tough but worth it|Not recommended to go in August or September because it’s really…

Just back from Croatia. Croatia isn’t filtered through Game of Thrones! The sea here is a clear blue, the old towns glow golden, and prices are refreshingly affordable compared to Western Europe. ✨ These moments make you want to settle down right here · Dubrovnik old town: the real-life King’s Landing from Game of Thrones! Walk the city walls (about 2 hours) with red rooftops and blue sea in the same frame. At sunset, take the cable car up the mountain and see the whole city shining like a golden jewel floating on the sea. · Plitvice Lakes National Park: Europe’s Jiuzhaigou! Limestone deposits create countless waterfalls and turquoise lakes, connected by wooden boardwalks between upper and lower lakes. Visit in autumn to see colorful forests reflected in the water like a spilled palette. · Diocletian’s Palace in Split: the retirement palace of a Roman emperor from 2,000 years ago! It’s not just a historic site but a living city—locals drink coffee under the colonnades, bands perform by ancient walls, blending history and modern life. · Rovinj: the “Little Venice” of the Istrian Peninsula! Colorful fishing harbor, hilltop church, winding stone alleys. Watch the sunset by the sea and see the whole town bathed in honey tones. 🗺️ Classic 6-day loop with no backtracking · Day 1–2: Fly into Zagreb, then transfer or drive to Dubrovnik. Spend a full day exploring the old town, walking the walls, and taking the cable car. · Day 3: Morning drive to Split (about 3 hours), afternoon visit to Diocletian’s Palace and the seaside promenade. · Day 4: Full day at Plitvice Lakes National Park (about 2.5 hours from Split), stay near the park. · Day 5: Drive to Rovinj (about 4 hours), get lost in the old town and watch the sunset. · Day 6: Return from Rovinj to Zagreb, explore the upper town and the Museum of Broken Relationships, then head home. 🥢 A fusion of Mediterranean and Central European flavors · Seafood black risotto: shiny black! The rice soaks up squid ink and fresh seafood flavors, leaving a rich taste🦑 · Grilled squid/sea bass: simply grilled with olive oil to highlight the natural flavors, served with vegetables and potato wedges. · Truffle pasta: Istrian Peninsula is famous for truffles! Affordable and aromatic🍝 The charm of Croatia is that when you’re standing on Dubrovnik’s city walls feeling the sea breeze, you suddenly realize—some views are worth traveling halfway across the world to see.

Croatian Rhapsody | From "Game of Thrones" to stunning islands — traveler post in Split-Dalmatia County

Croatian Rhapsody | From "Game of Thrones" to stunning islands

See the best of Croatia in 4 days – ancient Roman ruins, crystal clear waters, the world's most beautiful road, and Game of Thrones filming locations – with no backtracking and not a single day wasted 🇭🇷 🗺️ Route Day 1: Arrive in Split in the evening ➜ Sunset at Riva Promenade Day 2: Hvar Island day trip Day 3: Diocletian's Palace Game of Thrones visit ➜ Sunset in Kamen Day 4: Drive on D8 Highway ➜ Pelješac Bridge ➜ Dubrovnik city walk ✨ Split is Croatia's second largest city, must-visit spots: · Diocletian's Palace: Palace visit is free · Cellars: Where Daenerys kept her dragons in Game of Thrones · Cathedral of Saint Domnius Bell Tower: Ascent to the top costs €7–12 · Riva Promenade: A must-visit. So chill ⛴️ "One of the world's top 10 most beautiful islands" – Hvar Island Take a 1-hour ferry from Split ferry terminal to the island. We chose the Krilo shipping company, which was featured in "Divas Hit the Road," for €25 per person one way. How to explore the island: · Stroll around St. Stephen's Square · Hike to Fortica Fortress to overlook the entire town of Hvar from the top. Every photo is a postcard 🏛️ The super hidden gem, Kamen, is almost impossible to find in travel guides Morning: In-depth visit to Game of Thrones filming locations in Split: · Diocletian's Palace · Vestibule and Peristyle: The streets of Meereen in Game of Thrones · Statue of Gregory of Nin: Make a wish by touching his left toe Afternoon: Drive to Kamen. The town has a very small population and is incredibly beautiful. In the evening, you can watch an unobstructed Adriatic sunset by the sea, quiet and romantic ❤️ 🚗 The D8 Highway is a must-drive in this lifetime This road is known as Croatia's most beautiful coastal road. Must-stop along the way: Pelješac Bridge, built by China, also featured in "Divas Hit the Road." Afternoon: Start your Game of Thrones King's Landing city walk Must-visit spots: · City walls: Absolutely stunning in the evening. The entire old city turns golden · Pile Gate: The iconic gate of King's Landing · Minčeta Tower: The highest point of the city walls, where Daenerys searched for her dragons · Lovrijenac Fortress: The prototype for the Red Keep · Jesuit Stairs: The classic scene of Cersei's walk of atonement · Stradun: The main street of the old town Beyond Modrić, Croatia itself is unforgettable in its beauty. "If you can only visit one place on your Mediterranean trip, it must be Croatia."

Drive along the Adriatic Sea and discover Croatia’s red-tiled ancient towns and blue waters — traveler post in Split-Dalmatia County

Drive along the Adriatic Sea and discover Croatia’s red-tiled ancient towns and blue waters

Croatia Adriatic Sea loop | in-depth self-drive guide to islands and ancient towns Follow the turquoise Adriatic coast, passing red-tiled stone towns, Roman ruins, and idyllic islands. This Croatian coastline is known as the Mediterranean’s most beautiful, and it’s where Game of Thrones was filmed. Trip overview (8-day loop: Istria Peninsula → Dalmatian Coast) Route: Rovinj → Pula → Split → Hvar Island → Korčula Island → Dubrovnik ✨Travel method: recommended self-drive, with stunning coastal road views; take ferries for island sections. Best travel season: June–September, with clear waters perfect for swimming Day 1–Day 2 Istria Peninsula | Rovinj & Pula 🏡Accommodation Seaside guesthouse on the edge of Rovinj’s old town, avoiding the narrow streets inside the town. A 5-minute walk to the pier, with evening views overlooking the whole town. For a higher budget, choose a seaside hotel with a terrace. 🚗Transport Explore the town entirely on foot; drive 25 minutes to Pula. 📍Attractions & history Rovinj The pearl of the Adriatic, once a Venetian territory, with the entire old town perched on a peninsula. The landmark St. Euphemia’s Church bell tower is the town’s highest point. At dusk, the red-tiled town embraced by the blue sea is Croatia’s top coastal photo spot. Pula Arena A well-preserved Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD, contemporary with the Colosseum. It still hosts concerts and festivals. The massive stone arches face the bay, creating a striking scene of ancient ruins against the blue sea. 🍴Cuisine Istrian specialties: truffle pasta, Istrian prosciutto, steamed sea bass; be sure to try the local white wine. For dinner, choose a harborfront restaurant with sea sunset views. Day 3–Day 4 Split 🏡Accommodation Recommended: small boutique inns inside Diocletian’s Palace for an immersive stay in a World Heritage site; for quiet, choose seaside apartments outside the old town. 📍Attractions & history The heart of Split is Diocletian’s Palace, built in 305 AD by Roman Emperor Diocletian over 1,700 years ago. The palace was never abandoned and remains a living old town with streets, shops, and homes nestled within ancient Roman walls. Must-see: Silver Gate, Golden Gate, the basement, and climb the bell tower for panoramic views of the sea of orange rooftops. 🍴Cuisine Dalmatian smoked ham, black risotto with cuttlefish ink, fresh grilled fish. Many family-run restaurants hide in the old town alleys; avoid main road tourist spots for better value. 🚢Transport Split port is the island hub, with ferries to various islands. Day 5 Hvar Island 🏡Accommodation Hotels in Hvar town center, within walking distance to the square and harbor; for tranquility, choose seaside villages in the island’s north. 📍Attractions Hvar Island is a popular Croatian island with long crescent-shaped sandy beaches, pine-lined coasts, and deep blue bays filled with yachts. The town is full of stone red-tiled houses, with a hilltop fortress overlooking the sea. It was once a key Venetian maritime outpost. 🍴Cuisine Seafood platters, lavender ice cream (the island is famous for lavender), and excellent local olive oil. 💡Tip: relax on the beach by day, stroll the old town square at dusk. Day 6 Korčula Island 🏡Accommodation Stone house guesthouses in Korčula old town, by the sea in a peaceful setting. 📍Historical highlights The legendary hometown of Marco Polo! The entire stone old town is surrounded by walls, with a maze of streets showing strong Venetian architectural influence. The shallow waters outside the walls are crystal clear and perfect for seaside walks. You can walk along the city walls and enjoy views of the Adriatic Sea. 🚢Transport Take a short ferry from Hvar to Korčula. Day 7–Day 8 Dubrovnik (King’s Landing from Game of Thrones) 🏡Accommodation Two options: ① guesthouses outside the old town walls for better value; ② stay inside the old town for quiet streets and fewer tourists early in the morning. 📍Attractions & history Dubrovnik old town features intact medieval stone defensive walls and is a World Heritage site. The independent medieval city-state of the Republic of Ragusa thrived for a thousand years through maritime trade. Walking the city walls is a must, circling the entire town with red-tiled roofs on one side and turquoise sea on the other. Popular filming locations: Lokrum Island, coastal shallow bays. 🍴Cuisine Dalmatian lamb, brodetto seafood stew; local sweet wine made from oranges is worth trying. 💡Practical tips 1. The old town is very crowded in summer; visit the city walls before 8 AM to avoid crowds and get better photos. 2. Bring sun protection for the strong seaside sun. 3. Buy island ferry tickets online in advance during peak season. 📌General travel tips 1. Currency: Croatian kuna; most restaurants and shops accept credit cards. 2. Clothing: pack light-colored clothes for great photos with the blue sea and red-tiled towns. 3. Prices: coastal tourist towns are relatively expensive; island dining costs more than mainland cities. 4. Pace: don’t rush! Croatia’s charm lies in leisurely seaside strolls, afternoon café breaks, and waiting for the sunset over the sea.

Trogir Old Town: Croatia’s Ancient Gem 🌟 — traveler post in Split-Dalmatia County

Trogir Old Town: Croatia’s Ancient Gem 🌟

Trogir Old Town is an absolute vibe—seriously, this place is like stepping into a real-life medieval fantasy! 🏰✨ Nestled on a tiny island between the Croatian mainland and Čiovo Island, Trogir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. The city feels like an open-air museum, but with way more energy thanks to its buzzing cafes, cute shops, and cobbled alleyways. The town layout is next-level iconic: it keeps its original Hellenistic and Roman street grid, which means you’re literally wandering paths that haven’t changed in over 2,300 years. 🤯 There's history EVERYWHERE—from stone archways to ancient churches, and the epic Kamerlengo Castle just waiting for your Insta stories. Trogir Old Town is connected by bridges, so you can easily stroll to and from the mainland (address: Trogir Old Town, 21220 Trogir, Croatia). It's open 24/7, and most spots stay lively until late—perfect for night owls and early birds alike. If you’re looking for an unforgettable travel adventure, this Croatian gem ticks ALL the boxes: historic, beautiful, and totally photogenic. Don't forget to check out trip.com to score deals on hotels and tours. Trust us—this destination is sooo good you’ll wanna come back again and again! #Trogiroldtown #croatianature #celebratewithtrip

The Crown Jewel of Croatia: Punta Rata Beach 🌊✨ — traveler post in Split-Dalmatia County

The Crown Jewel of Croatia: Punta Rata Beach 🌊✨

Punta Rata Beach in Brela is hands down one of the world’s top pebble beaches and totally the crown jewel of Croatia’s iconic Makarska Riviera. You’ll find this slice of paradise about 800 meters northwest of Brela’s charming town center—just a breezy walk or a quick bike ride away! Trust me, the hype is real. Punta Rata serves up insane vibes with its crystal-clear, turquoise waters that literally *invite* you to dive in. The pebbles? Super smooth on your feet, so you won’t be tip-toeing awkwardly like on other rocky beaches. 😎 What makes this spot extra magical is the canopy of fragrant pine trees lining the shore—perfect for that shady picnic or midday nap. And if you’re into dramatic scenery, you’ll be obsessed with the epic views of the Biokovo Mountain range looming in the background. It’s Insta-perfect ALL day long! 📸 Btw, Punta Rata Beach has Blue Flag certification for its spotless cleanliness and safe swimming spots. Facilities are on point, with beach bars, snack stands, and rentals for water sports fans (think paddleboards and kayaks). Lifeguards are usually on duty during peak hours, so you can chill out and swim stress-free. Need the deets? Punta Rata Beach’s main entrance is off Put Punta Rata Street, Brela, Croatia. The beach is public and open 24/7, but get there early in summer to snag the best spot. Punta Rata Beach gives “Mediterranean summer dream” energy all season long. Add this iconic spot to your next travel lineup, and get ready to feel those vacation vibes hit different! #Puntaratabeach #croatianislands #celebratewithtrip

How to explore Europe’s Jiuzhaigou — traveler post in Split-Dalmatia County

How to explore Europe’s Jiuzhaigou

🇭🇷 When visiting Croatia, don’t miss Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also known as Plitvička Jezera National Park, it’s located in the karst mountains of central Croatia and was listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1979. Because its scenery and geological features resemble those of China’s Jiuzhaigou, it’s often called the “Jiuzhaigou of Europe.” 👠 We traveled from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes. When we arrived around noon, it was drizzling and chilly, and many visitors were already wearing light down jackets. After entering through Entrance 1, we were immediately captivated by the spectacular waterfalls. Who could resist the romance of hundreds of cascading falls and lake after lake of emerald waters! The layered lakes and waterfalls are nature’s elegant poetry written across Croatia. 🎯 Touring routes: Since the 16 lakes stretch in a ribbon through the valley, divided into upper and lower lake areas, you can explore in sections depending on your available time. 🚶🏽‍♂️ Route 1 takes about 2–3 hours / 3.5 km. Enter through Entrance 1 and hike a small loop upstream through the lower lake area. You’ll pass the Great Canyon and see Croatia’s largest waterfall, along with shallow lakes and small waterfall clusters. 🏃🏻‍♀️ Route 2 takes about 3–4 hours / 4–5 km. This downhill hike covers the upper lake area, featuring the tallest waterfall and connected emerald lakes. Take a boat ride on Kozjak Lake, then return to Entrance 1 by tram. 💰 Tickets include park shuttle bus and lake boat ride 🔥 Peak season (June–September): adult €40, student €25, child €15 ⚖️ Shoulder season (April–May, October): adult €23, student €15, child €10 💧 Off season (November–March): adult €10 ⏰ Opening hours (by season) 🔥 Peak season (June–September): 7:00 AM–8:00 PM ⚖️ Shoulder season (April–May, October): 7:00 AM–7:00 PM 💧 Off season (November–March): 8:00 AM–4:00 PM 📍 Address: Plitvička Jezera 🏹 Distance: about 140 km from Zagreb (2–2.5 hours by car), about 110 km from Zadar (1.5 hours by car) 🚗 Transportation: self-drive; public buses run direct from Zagreb, Zadar, and Split.

The Adriatic Sea hides Europe’s romantic utopia | A slow travel essay on Croatia — traveler post in Split-Dalmatia County

The Adriatic Sea hides Europe’s romantic utopia | A slow travel essay on Croatia

Playing the looped single "Croatian Rhapsody" always makes me imagine this land covered with red-tiled ancient towns and embraced by jelly-blue seas. The grand King’s Landing from Game of Thrones is filmed here. Marco Polo’s hometown hides a thousand-year-old fishing port, where the wind carries the scent of sea and lavender. Step into Croatia, and time automatically slows down🌊 📸 Photo list (all with the "traveling…" watermark) Cover aerial poster: Cetina River’s eye of the earth, an emerald deep pool nestled in the mountains Photo 1: Dubrovnik old town’s red-tiled stone walls, seaside ancient city walls Photo 2: Rovinj’s colorful waterfront wooden houses, Adriatic Sea’s light blue surface Photo 3: Split’s Diocletian Palace, ancient Roman stone corridors Photo 4: Pula’s Roman amphitheater, stone arches bathed in sunset Photo 5: Nearshore aerial shot of layered jelly-like sea, scattered white reef villages along the coast The clear Adriatic Sea winds along a long coastline, with over a thousand small islands scattered like pearls casually dropped by the gods. The sea breeze is mild year-round, with no crowds rushing your itinerary. Locals habitually visit the market in the early morning to pick fresh fruit, then move a wooden chair to a seaside café in the afternoon, order a glass of local wine, and stare at the sea for hours. This is the uniquely relaxed slow life of Croatia. The most breathtaking secret of this land is hidden in the mountains—the eye of the earth, the source of the Cetina River. A pool of emerald water so clear it’s almost unreal, with a vertical depth of 150 meters. From an aerial view, the round lake looks like a blue eye opened wide by the earth. The pool is constantly replenished by underground mountain springs. The blue-green layers shift with the light. The shore is surrounded by pale green grass and trees. No noise, only the sound of the stream and birds flying over the lake. No need to rush to check in. Sitting quietly on the cliff watching the changing light on the water gently calms all inner restlessness. It’s the most healing quiet moment of the entire trip. Take a speedboat out to sea to unlock island romance. Hvar Island is the Mediterranean’s sunshine darling, with hills covered in lavender fields and pure white beaches. The coast is dotted with open-air taverns. The hidden Blue Cave along the coast is a natural wonder. Sunlight penetrates the underwater cave, turning the entire sea into a dreamy sapphire blue. Diving in feels like floating in a sea of scattered diamonds. The crystal-clear water offers maximum visibility. A string of red-tiled medieval towns connects Croatia’s cultural heritage, each hiding stories from different eras. Zagreb, the capital, blends old and new districts gently. The uphill streets are covered with vermilion roofs. Outdoor galleries and flower shops line the streets. In the evening, street violin performances fill the square. Dubrovnik, the model for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, is surrounded by intact stone city walls. Walking on the walls, one side shows the scattered red-tiled houses, the other the endless Adriatic Sea. The sunset bathes the stone walls in warm gold. Rovinj is a lesser-known healing fishing port. Colorful houses cling to the coastline. Narrow stone alleys lead straight to the harbor. Fishing boats rest quietly by the shore. The fishing village’s gentle and peaceful atmosphere is heartwarming. Zadar’s sea organ is a collision of nature and art. Waves hit the stone keys, playing a melody unique to the coast. Countless people gather here to watch the sunset by the sea. Here, there’s never a military-style rush. No need to wake early to visit attractions or chase photo spots. In the afternoon, casually step into a seaside shop, order a glass of chilled white wine or rich coffee, watch locals leisurely walk dogs and chat, and children chase waves by the shore. Handmade shops in ancient alleys, freshly grilled seafood by the sea, and orange sunsets filling the sky in the evening—these small, gentle daily moments piece together Croatia’s unique lazy romance. If you’re tired of the fast pace of the city, consider heading to this Adriatic coast. Between red-tiled ancient towns and jelly-like seas, live your days as a slow poem. Follow me for ongoing shares of Europe’s lesser-known artistic slow travel destinations and unlock more hidden gems.

St. Isaac’s Cathedral: imperial ambition atop the dome — traveler post in Split-Dalmatia County

St. Isaac’s Cathedral: imperial ambition atop the dome

St. Petersburg is a city that rose from the swamps. In 1703, Peter the Great drove the first wooden stake here. Over 300 years, this city grew from wilderness to imperial capital, yet it never became a modern metropolis filled with skyscrapers. To protect the cultural heritage of the historic center, St. Petersburg enforces strict building height limits: buildings in the city center cannot exceed the Winter Palace’s cornice height of 23.5 meters. Thanks to this, the city center still preserves the skyline silhouette of the 19th century. Walking along Nevsky Prospect, you’ll notice the buildings on both sides are remarkably uniform in height, as if measured with a ruler. There are no jarring glass facades or attention-stealing skyscrapers. The city’s skyline remains frozen in the 19th century. This means you can’t overlook the city from a modern high-rise observation deck like you can in Paris, London, or Frankfurt. St. Isaac’s Cathedral’s golden dome is an exception. It rises 101.5 meters high, making it the world’s fourth-largest dome. Ahead of it are St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and the Florence Cathedral. Being ranked alongside these legends speaks volumes about its significance. The dome has an observation deck accessible by climbing 262 steps. While not extremely tall by absolute standards, this height offers a panoramic view of St. Petersburg’s classical architecture. The cathedral is named after St. Isaac of Dalmatia, whose feast day coincides with Peter the Great’s birthday. The architect commissioned to build the cathedral was French. Construction took 40 years, and by completion, the French architect had turned gray-haired. The long duration was partly due to technical challenges. Just the massive granite columns on the facade each weigh 120 tons. Raising them without heavy machinery was an engineering marvel. Montferrand also pioneered the use of cast-iron trusses to support the dome, which was new to Russia at the time. Another reason was Tsar Nicholas I’s obsession with perfection. The tsar demanded Montferrand’s original design be made more luxurious and grand. The dome alone was gilded with over 100 kilograms of pure gold leaf. The 21.8-meter-high dome gleams unrealistically under St. Petersburg’s gloomy skies. Inside, the opulence is overwhelming: 600 square meters of mosaic tiles, 16 tons of malachite, 14 types of marble, and even the columns are made from solid jade and lapis lazuli. The 816-square-meter ceiling mural was painted by the Russian master Brullov, the same artist who painted “The Last Day of Pompeii” in the State Museum. It’s said the architect’s dying wish was to be buried in the cathedral, but Nicholas I refused. He said a mere craftsman didn’t deserve such an honor. Forty years of dedication, yet not even a burial place was granted. It sounds bittersweet, but on second thought: the cathedral still stands by the Neva River, admired by countless people every day. That itself is the best monument. St. Isaac’s Cathedral is now open as a museum, but worship services are held year-round.

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Diocletian's Palace

Diocletian's Palace, located in the heart of Split's Old Town, is more of an old town than a palace. Two-thousand-year-old stone walls have blended into cafes and residential buildings; the clock tower, a later addition, offers panoramic views of red rooftops and the Adriatic Sea. The cellars now house souvenir stalls, the air thick with the scents of stone and olive oil. A few meters apart outside the south water gate, the masts of yachts and ancient Roman columns create a sense of time standing still. It's usually quite crowded, but in the evening, after the tourists have left, it quiets down, and you can hear your own footsteps on the cobblestone streets.

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Old Split

Split, the second largest city in Croatia, is renowned for its ancient city center and its popularity as a cruise port.Wandering through the city's streets is like stepping into a time machine, leaving you awestruck by its timeless beauty.

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Diocletian's Palace

Diocletian's Palace, located in the heart of Split's Old Town, is more of an old town than a palace. Two-thousand-year-old stone walls have blended into cafes and residential buildings; the clock tower, a later addition, offers panoramic views of red rooftops and the Adriatic Sea. The cellars now house souvenir stalls, the air thick with the scents of stone and olive oil. A few meters apart outside the south water gate, the masts of yachts and ancient Roman columns create a sense of time standing still. It's usually quite crowded, but in the evening, after the tourists have left, it quiets down, and you can hear your own footsteps on the cobblestone streets.

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Trogir Old Town

A short 30-minute drive from Split lies the charming town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Located between the Croatian mainland and the island of Čiovo, Trogir is surrounded by pristine waters and boasts stunning scenery.Visitors can climb the bell tower of San Lorenzo Cathedral for panoramic views of the town's medieval old town and its picturesque harbor.🏞️

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Golden Horn Beach

We stayed in Bol for 3 nights and spent the second night at the Golden Horn beach. It is a leisurely 30 minute walk. There are restaurants, bars and lots of water sports on the beach. We also bought foam mats for the beach (as the beach is very rocky).

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Brac Island (Otok Brac)

This island is very beautiful, but a good thing is that there are really not many tourists. Maybe everyone is too busy. It is a little far from the city, but the environment is really good and the beach quality is very good.

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Trogir Old Town

A short 30-minute drive from Split lies the charming town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Located between the Croatian mainland and the island of Čiovo, Trogir is surrounded by pristine waters and boasts stunning scenery.Visitors can climb the bell tower of San Lorenzo Cathedral for panoramic views of the town's medieval old town and its picturesque harbor.🏞️

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Diocletian's Palace

Diocletian's Palace, located in the heart of Split's Old Town, is more of an old town than a palace. Two-thousand-year-old stone walls have blended into cafes and residential buildings; the clock tower, a later addition, offers panoramic views of red rooftops and the Adriatic Sea. The cellars now house souvenir stalls, the air thick with the scents of stone and olive oil. A few meters apart outside the south water gate, the masts of yachts and ancient Roman columns create a sense of time standing still. It's usually quite crowded, but in the evening, after the tourists have left, it quiets down, and you can hear your own footsteps on the cobblestone streets.

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Split-Dalmatia County FAQ

What currency is used in Split-Dalmatia County?

The standard currency in Split-Dalmatia County is HRK

How do I exchange currency in Split-Dalmatia County?

Current exchange rate approx.: CAD ≈4.8HRK (actual exchange rates depend on the bank). Currency exchange tips:
1. Exchange currency at your local bank before departure, as rates are usually better than at the destination.
2. You can also withdraw cash from local ATMs.
3. Avoid exchanging currency at airports or hotels, as they offer the worst rates.