Split is the second-largest city in Croatia with more than 200 000 residents. It’s the biggest city on the Adriatic Sea. It’s considered the main transit point of the region – you can easily come here on land, by boat, or take a flight. Several wonderful sights impress tourists from ancient times as well as the modern age. The city center is part of the UNESCO world heritage since 1979. Along with its fantastic gastronomy, and numerous beaches Split is perfect for those who like good trips. No surprise that it’s so popular among tourists.
Location
Split, the second-largest city in Croatia, is in Split-Dalmatia County. As the biggest city of Dalmatia, it’s the center of economy and administration as well. It lies in South Dalmatia at the outfall of the Jadro and Žrnovica rivers. It’s on a peninsula next to the Gulf of Kaštela and the canal of Split. Split also serves as a center of transport. Besides sailing and air transport railways connect it to Zagreb.
History
The origin of the city’s name is not clear. It either comes from the Greek noun, aspalathos (thorn-bush), or may have Illyrian roots and connection to the Latin word, palatium (palace). Until 1918 the official name of the city was Spalato, which is also used in Italian. After that they renamed it to its current Slavic from, Split. Originally there was a Greek colony here before Roman domination. The first resident was the Diocletian emperor himself, who built a palace next to the gulf in 293. After his governance, he spent his last years here. Later the Croats ruled the city that formed around the palace. Thanks to the spread of Christianity the first church was built-in the 9th century. The city of Split was under the rule of Hungary from 1105. Coleman made an oath to keep the freedom of Split and the city accepted the Hungarian governance too.After that Coleman had a ceremonious entry. The city gradually became important to Hungarian kings and Dalmatian Christianity. Béla IV came here to escape the Tatars. His daughters, Katalin and Margit are buried in the cathedral. The city was a constant object of debate between Hungary and the Venetian Kingdom. The latter came to rule it from 1420 to 1797. Later it was part of Austria, then Napoleon’s France, then Austria again. Due to the split of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy it became a state of Yugoslavia. In 1941, it was under Italian occupation until the country’s capitulation in 1943.
Beaches
Split has a number of incomparably attractive beaches, where the water is clean, and the shore meets all expectations. On the Splitsko Peninsula nearly the whole seaside is suitable for swimming. Choose from a great variety of the popular sand, pebble, or wild rock beaches – especially on the shore of the Marjan mountain. We made a list of the five most popular beaches from the east to the west. These places provide more than just the sun and the sea, something unique. Even if you decide to explore them by yourself. Many people do so, no wonder sailing is so popular here. You too can find your favorite spot on the clean waves, if you hire a boat or yacht charter. Our yacht charter Split list.
Trstenik beach:
It’s a pebble beach with deck chairs and beach umbrellas. But if you’d rather lay down your own beach shawl, you can easily find a place for that too. There’s a VIP platform operating with the hotel there. Other than that it’s fully open to the public. The beach is clean and has some bars around. The water is very light because it’s open and close to the sea currents. This place is relatively calm without crowds. If you wish for a more lively and crowded place, visit the neighbouring Žnjan beach.
Bačvice:
If you’re looking for a private, isolated beach, this one is not the best idea. However, if you want to spend time with other people, you should come here. This is the central beach of the city. It’s popular among locals and young tourists. It’s a sandy beach full of deck chairs and beach umbrellas which are constantly in use. For the people who live in Split Bačvice is part of the city’s identity. An important part of the cultural heritage, a local beach game called picigin was also born here. This game is an amateur sport usually played in shallow water. Players are hitting a small ball with their palm in the air, so that it’s not touching the surface of the water. At the same time Bačvice is one of the main night zones of the city. It’s the place of the Split Beach Festival.
Kaštelet:
This pebble beach is just twenty minutes away from the city center. It’s right next to the Ivan Meštrović Gallery on the south side of Marjan hill. Mostly young people in their twenties visit this part of the coast. Families generally enjoy the beach a bit further away. The water is very clean. Bars on the seaside offer cool drinks on hot summer days. If you love listening to loud music while swimming and sunbathing, this is your place. Besides that this beach is also quite popular among locals.
Kašjuni:
Kašjuni beach is easily accessible either on foot, by bus number 12, by car, or even by bike. Come here directly from the city, or to refresh after a hike or jogging on Mt. Marjan. It’s worth visiting for one of Split’s best sceneries, the view of the shore from the sea. Just go in the water and look up to see Mt. Marjan in all its beauty, with pine forests, churches, and rocks. To take pleasure in this lovely landscape hire a boat or yacht charter, so you can easily visit nearby beaches too. Some great pastimes here are the lounge bar or discovering the sea bottom by diving. A short way off you finds the single and unofficial nudist beach in Split.
Bene:
The Bene beach also lies on Mt. Marjan. It’s at the coastal holiday resort on the northwestern side of the popular forest park in a pine forest. Several sports opportunities are available. For example tennis, football, playgrounds for children, and even an outdoor gym. Besides that, kayak tours start here. Come here by bus, bike, or with a short walk through the forest. But those who arrive on the water can anchor here as well. Families love this beach since it’s ideal for children. The water is not as light as the other seaside beaches, due to the sandy sea-bed. There’s a bar right on the coast as well as a restaurant. Also, there’s the church of St. Benedict, where you can take some unique photos.
Main sights in Split
Besides the amazingly clean water of the beaches, there are several historical buildings, museums, and churches in the city. It’s not a surprise that some call Split the most beautiful city in the world. Behind the ancient walls of the palace of Diocletian there’s the old town. Once it served as a summer house for the emperor. The palace, built around 295, is one of the most notable pieces of Roman architecture on the eastern side of the Adriatic. The St. Doimus cathedral is also here, formerly it was the mausoleum of Diocletian. Don’t forget to visit the palace of Papalić which is the most famous gothic building in the city from the 15th century. When it comes to baroque there’s another beautiful palace called Cindro palace. Visit the most popular one called Vanilla club, where you can choose from several genres of music to fit your own taste. Various events attract visitors, such as Diocletian days, when residents show visitors the 1700 year long history of their beloved city. They march on the streets of the former palace wearing togas and tunics. Antique carriages take the emperor and his wife along the Riviera.
Weather of Split
There’s the Mediterranean climate on the Adriatic coast. Summers are dry and hot, winters are mild and rainy, and the sun shines a lot. Split weather information.
Yacht charter Split
The port of Split is the main destination for seagoing boats on the Adriatic Sea thanks to the strategic position of the Mediterranean region (ports of Venice and the Aegean Sea). Its rich history and numerous sights attract thousands of tourists day by day. In 2011 the port became the biggest in Croatia and the third biggest in the Adriatic region. Nowadays we can claim for sure that the city and its port are an inevitable destination of seagoing boats and all cruiser companies. In this way, it has great significance in yachting, both locally and internationally.
ACI Marina Split
The ACI Marina Split offers 348 berths for yachts of a maximum of 90 m. The breakwater provides outstanding protection from the raging sea and the southern winds. The water depth is 8 m. There are restaurants, bars, laundries and a fuelling station. Information about sailing in Split, or rent a boat in Split
Port of Marina
There are 134 permanent berths for boats with a maximum length of 25 metres. The sea is 7 metres deep at the entrance. The port offers several good-quality services, and there is a bar and a restaurant. Information about sailing in Vis, or Vis boat rental
Port of Trogir
This significant port offers 256 permanent berths for ships up to 70 metres long. The depth of the water is 20 metres. They provide several services such as laundry, fuel and maintenance. They also have drinking water, electricity and free Wi-Fi. Read about sailing in Trogir, yachtcharter in Trogir
Ports of Milna
Milna has 3 ports and can accommodate more than 300 boats. The largest is ACI Marina Milna, offering 170 berths for boats up to 40 metres. The depth of the seabed is 6 metres. You can choose from many quality services here, and you can refuel. Marina Vlaska is on the northern side of the Bay of Milna. It has 71 berths for boats up to 25 metres. The depth is 15 metres. Yacht Club Milna has 100 berths for boats up to 30 metres. The depth is 3 metres. Information about sailing in Milna, or rent a boat in Milna
Port of Sutivan
Sutivan is located on the westernmost part of the north coast of Brač. It is only 7 kilometres from Supetar. The port can accommodate smaller yachts, but larger boats can only anchor in front of the bay. The depth at the entrance is 6 metres, and 2-3 metres along the quay.
Port of Supetar
Supetar’s outer port is reserved for ferries and commercial vessels. In contrast, mostly smaller boats and yachts use the inner basin. The depth of the seabed at the entrance is 6 metres, 5 metres in the outer basin, and 3-4 metres in the inner basin. Information about sailing in Supetar, or rent a boat in Supetar
Port of Pučišća
The Port of Pučišća is located on the northeast coast of the island of Brač. It provides 25 berths for boats, of which 8-10 are usually available for yachts. The depth of the seabed along the quay is 1, 2-2, 3 metres, and 3, 5-4, 3 metres in the middle of the port.
Port of Sumartin
The peaceful, quiet Sumartin lies at the eastern tip of Brač. It is the youngest settlement on the island. From the marina, you can see Makarska. They are connected by ferry. The depth of the seabed is 1-3, 7 metres. Information about sailing in Sumartin, or rent a boat in Sumartin
Marina Bol
The port of Bol is located on the southern coast of Brač Island, about halfway between Milna and Sumartin. Because of its small size, it can be hard to find a free berth during the main season. The depth of the water is 6–7 metres near the entrance and 2 metres at the pier. They provide drinking water, electricity, laundry as well as cafés and restaurants. Information about Bol sailing, or rent a boat in Bol
Port of Omiš
The small Middle Dalmatian town lies by the estuary of the Cetina river; it is surrounded by huge canyons. The bora blows violently in the bay from many directions, and the southern wind also raises a heavy sea. The depth here is 4 m. Information about sailing in Omiš, or rent a boat in Omiš
Port of Podstrana
The luxurious Marina Lav belongs to the Le Meridien Lav hotel complex. It can accommodate 74 yachts with a maximum length of 40 m. The depth varies between 2-2.8 m. There is a water supply, and electricity in each berth; moreover, a 24-hour security guard protects the area. Information about sailing in Podstrana, or rent a boat in Podstrana
Marina Baška Voda
The Marina Baška Voda can accommodate up to 180 boats up to 23 metres in length. The maximum depth of the seabed is 4 metres. The port has drinking water, electricity and a restaurant. You can even get medical help if needed. Information about sailing in Baska Voda, or rent a boat in Baška Voda
Marina Ramova
The Marina Ramova is located in Krvavica, a town that administratively belongs to Baška Voda. It has 195 berths for boats up to 16 metres in length. The depth of the seabed is 3 metres. The port offers many excellent services. The restaurant can accommodate up to 150 guests at once.
Makarska Harbour
The port’s 225 metres long breakwater was completed in 2015. It provides protection from winds and waves coming from the south and southwest. The maximum depth of the seabed is 4.8 metres. The excellent services offered in the port include refuelling. Read about sailing in Makarska, or rent a boat in Makarska
Marina Tučepi
The marina is right next to Slatina Beach. It has 200 berths, 50 of which are reserved for visitors and 150 for local boats. Marina Tučepi can accommodate boats up to 20 metres in length.
Marina Podgora
The marina, southeast of Makarska, is open all year round. It can accommodate 220 boats up to 20 metres in length. The maximum depth of the seabed is 3 metres. There are drinking water, electricity and a crane. Read about sailing in Podgora, or rent a boat in PodgoraSplit is an ideal choice for visitors of all ages. You sure won’t be disappointed in this popular destination. Just a few of the several wonderful pastimes are sailing, sightseeing, bathing, hiking and partying. If you wish for a relaxed, old-school city tour, you couldn’t find a better spot. But if you prefer a refreshing, youthful adventure, still don’t miss this beautiful Mediterranean city. Visit its beaches, music festivals, and clubs. Find sailing routes in Croatia or choose another Croatia sailing charter.
Rent a sailboat in Split, and cruise around Split
Day 1. Split (ACI Marina) – Kaštel Gomilica 9, 73 km (6, 04 mi), Day 2. Kaštel Gomilica – Trogir (ACI Marina) 15.47 km (9.62 mi), Day 3. Trogir (ACI Marina) – Primosten 38, 16 (23, 71 mi), Day 4. Primosten -Vis (Vis-island) 65, 08 (40, 44 mi), Day 5. Vis (Vis-island) – Stari Grad (Hvar-island) 40, 14 km (24, 94 mi), Day 6. Stari Grad (Hvar-island) – Sumartin (Brač-island) 37, 74 km (23, 45 mi), Day 7. Sumartin (Brač-island) – Supetar (Brač-island) – Split (ACI Marina) 52, 90 km (32, 87 mi).
Day 1.Split – Kastel Gomilica 13, 25 km (8, 23 mi), Day 2. Kastel Gomilica – Trogir 15.47 km (9.62 mi), Day 3. Trogir – Rogoznica 31.26 km (19.43 mi), Day 4. Rogoznica – Primosten 10.38 km (6.45 mi), Day 5. Primosten – Sibenik 20.95 km (13.02 mi), Day 6. Sibenik – Skadrin (Krk) 16.83 km (10.46 mi), Day 7. Krk – Tribunj 28.70 km (17.83 mi), Day 8. Tribunj – Murter 17.80 km (11.06 mi), Day 9. Murter – Kaprije 23.26 km (14.46 mi), Day 10. Kaprije – Rogac 63.20 km (39.27 mi), Day 11. Rogac – Vis 47.02 km (29.22 mi), Day 12. Vis – Stari Grad 39.63 km (24.62 mi), Day 13. Stari Grad – Sumartin (Brac Island) 37.74 km (23.45 mi), Day 14. Sumartin – Omis – Split 51, 86 km (32, 23 mi).
Read more sailing trips from Split
Sailing itinerary from Split to Dubrovnik
Day 1. Split (ACI Marina Split) – Solta 15, 77 km (9, 80 mi), Day 2. Solta – Stari Grad (Hvar) 35, 31 km (21, 94 mi), Day 3. Stari Grad (Hvar) – Vis (Vis) 39, 98 km (24, 84 mi), Day 4. Vis (Vis) – Komiza (Vis) 19, 75 km (12, 27 mi), Day 5. Komiza (Vis) – Vela Luka (Korcula) 57, 31 km (35, 61 mi), Day 6. Vela Luka (Korcula) – Korcula (Korcula) 51, 17 km (31, 79 mi), Day 7. Korcula (Korcula) – Sobra (Mljet) 92, 34 km (57, 38 mi), Day 8. Sobra (Mljet) – Dubrovnik (ACI Marina Dubrovnik) 44, 51 km (27, 65 mi), Day 9. Dubrovnik – Kolocep – Lopud 17, 74 km (11, 02 mi), Day 10. Lopud – Zuljana – Orebic 74, 23 km (46, 12 mi), Day 11. Orebic – Sucuraj 37, 32 km (23, 19 mi), Day 12. Sucuraj – Makarska – Sumartin (Brac) 36, 43 km (22, 64 mi), Day 13. Sumartin (Brac) – Brela – Omis 33, 94 km (21, 09 mi), Day 14. Omis – Supetar (Brac) – Split (ACI Marina Split) 28, 59 km (17, 76 mi)
Read more about sail from Split to Dubrovnik
Sailing itinerary from Split to Hvar
Day 1. Split – Supetar (Brac) 16, 12 km (10, 02 mi), Day 2. Supetar – Sumartin (Brac) – Jelsa 55, 33 km (34, 38 mi), Day 3. Jelsa – Sucuraj 42, 66 km (26, 51 mi), Day 4. Sucuraj – Zavala 40, 45 km (25, 14 mi), Day 5. Zavala – Hvar 22, 55 km (14, 01 mi), Day 6. Hvar – Stari Grad 26, 81 km (16, 66 mi), Day 7. Stari Grad – Split 42, 62 km (26, 48 mi)
Read more about sailing from Split to Hvar or Dalmatia sailing itineraries.
