Its palm-lined oceanfront promenade is reminiscent of the French Riviera, but the rest of the old city reveals a striking combination of Roman, Venetian and Hapsburg influences.

The seaport of Split, designated by UNESCO as a cultural treasure, lies on the Dalmatian coast 260 km south of Zagreb. Its palm-lined oceanfront promenade is reminiscent of the French Riviera, but the rest of the old city reveals a striking combination of Roman, Venetian and Hapsburg influences.

The Roman emperor Diocletian built a palace in Split in the fourth century, and Prime Minister Joseph Broz Tito maintained a palace in the city. Diocletian’s palace forms the heart of the old town (the ruins are thought to be some of the best-preserved Roman architecture in eastern Europe).

Over the centuries, the people of Split have made themselves at home within the walls of the enormous palace—you can have coffee at a café next to a huge column from the palace standing in the centre of the building.

Also in town are the Mestrovic Gallery, an archaeological museum and the Temple of Jupiter, which was part of Diocletian’s palace. It is pleasant to spend time just walking around this city. Take a ride up the hill of Marjan for a fabulous view of the city and the sea.

Day trips also can be made from Split to Medugorje, a religious shrine.

WHEN TO TRAVEL to Split

The best time to visit Split is in summer, when Music Festival is held. Summer is also excellent for swimming since beaches are plentiful. Restaurants, taverns, cafés and bars are located at the seafront, and local dishes, mainly seafood, go well with local wine.