Split
Split, located on Croatia's beautiful Dalmatian Coast, is the country's second-largest city and a vibrant place that perfectly combines modern and ancient. It is also one of the Croatian cities that has served as a backdrop for Game of Thrones, and fans of the hit show can take an organized tour to learn more about their favorite scenes.
The city has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years, beginning with the Romans and continuing with the Byzantines, Croats, Venetians, and, finally, the Austrians, who left in 1918. As a result of these diverse influences, there are numerous historical activities to enjoy in the city's beautifully preserved Old Town.
Split is also famous as the home of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palace of Diocletian, one of the most impressive remaining Roman monuments anywhere in the world. It's also where you'll find the first-rate Archeological Museum, as well as what many consider to be Croatia's best art museum, the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.
Just east of its pretty waterfront promenade is Split's main tourist center. Here, visitors will find some of the top restaurants, entertainment venues, and hotels in Croatia. There are also a number of wonderful day trips available from Split that take you to other nearby parts of this lovely country. These include visiting the ancient city of Salona and taking in the beautiful beaches of Zlatni Rat, Brela, the Pakleni Islands, Solta, and Milna.
Rankings:
- #3 in Best Places to Visit in Eastern Europe
- #4 in Best Beaches in Croatia
- #18 in Best Cheap European Vacations
Location: Croatia